Tajikistan, a small and impoverished country in Central Asia, has been in the spotlight recently due to its citizens’ involvement in a string of terrorist attacks and foiled plots linked to the Islamic State. Analysts have noted that hundreds of men from Tajikistan have joined ISIS-K, an affiliate of the Islamic State in Afghanistan, making them vulnerable to recruitment for extremist activities.
One of the main reasons cited for Tajiks’ susceptibility to recruitment is the rampant poverty in the country. With millions of workers seeking better opportunities abroad, many end up in Russia where they face discrimination, low wages, and poor prospects. These harsh conditions make some Tajiks susceptible to jihadist recruiters who exploit their vulnerabilities.
Another factor contributing to the radicalization of Tajiks is the authoritarian rule of President Emomali Rahmon, who has been in power since 1994. The government’s tight control over how Islam is practiced, including curbs on religious freedom and crackdowns on public displays of piety, has pushed some Tajiks towards extremist views.
The combination of poverty, authoritarian rule, and lack of religious freedom has created a fertile environment for online recruitment campaigns targeting Tajik men. These campaigns glorify the exploits of those who have fought for ISIS-K, fueling the group’s ambitions to battle the West.
As Tajikistan grapples with the threat of extremism within its borders, it is crucial for the government to address the root causes of radicalization and provide opportunities for its citizens to thrive without resorting to violence.
