Deradicalization in Central Asia: A Critical Appraisal

The Central Asian region is currently facing a grave challenge of repatriation of IS-fighters which has posed a serious threat to its socio-economic and political structures. The repatriates also include women and children who may need to be assessed to determine whether  they have been radicalized. As a response to these returnees, Central Asian States have structured a CVE which focuses on changing the narrative through religious education, rehabilitation, reintegration, and promoting civil society. This study investigates CVE measures in Central Asia to prevent recruitment to terrorist organizations, reduce the number of fighters from this region and further contain the threat of radicalization caused by the influx of repatriates returning from Syria and Iraq. This study is divided into three parts. The first part outlines the threats posed by the return of foreign fighters; the second part explains the various theoretical models to understand process of radicalization and practices for deradicalization and the last part evaluates different CVE measures in Central Asia to eradicate further radicalization and extremism.