Deradicalization: Implementation of CVE policies in Central Asia

Abstract

Deradicalization is a CVE strategy which has gained notoriety, with a plethora of states formulating Deradicalization Programs as a mean to accommodate the growing number of repatriates and foreign fighters. Deradicalization may be understood through the process of Radicalization itself. In Central Asia, a post-Soviet region with a history of Islamic Radicalization, there seems to be a growing trend of foreign fighters and repatriates which suggests that the persons returning home may need to be deradicalized in order to diminish the threat of growing radical beliefs, especially enforced by strict prohibitions on the practicing of religion and poor governing. Thus, it has further complicated the subject matter of radicalization and how to accommodate this phenomenon. Prioritizing Deradicalization Programs may be viable for the 5-Stans of Central Asia making it an interesting case to study the trends of democracy, radicalization and CVE as a whole. Central Asian States have focused on changing the narrative through religious education, rehabilitation, reintegration, promoting civil society, which has been a priority in Central Asia to prevent recruitment to terrorist organizations and reduce the number of foreign fighters from this region whilst assessing the next course of action for the repatriates