Radicalization of Islam in Central Asia: Theory, Trends and Prospects  Cover Image
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Radicalization of Islam in Central Asia: Theory, Trends and Prospects
Radicalization of Islam in Central Asia: Theory, Trends and Prospects

Author(s): A. Tolga Türker
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: USAK (Uluslararası Stratejik Araştırmalar Kurumu)
Keywords: Radical Islam; Central Asia; New Social Movements; Hizb ut-Tahrir; Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan

Summary/Abstract: Proliferation of radical Islamist movements across Central Asia since the collapse of the Soviet Union is substantiated by the increasing support to such groups as the Hizb ut-Tahrir, the Al Islamiyya and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan in the form of political, cultural and educational activities. This paper aims at demonstrating how theoretical tools from social movement literature can contribute to the analysis of transformation of potential followers into active supporters for these radical Islamic groups. It argues that use and application of socio-structural models to explain the rising support for these groups is of limited utility since such models tend to ignore variation among these movements. Rather this paper focuses on resource mobilization, political opportunity and framing perspectives in the study of social movements in order to advance our understanding of the diverse ideological, organizational and resource management work required to facilitate the mobilization of potential followers.

  • Issue Year: 2011
  • Issue No: 11
  • Page Range: 51-74
  • Page Count: 24
  • Language: English