Vulnerability and Resilience of Young People in Kyrgyzstan to Radicalization, Violence and Extremism: Analysis across Five Domains LNG AS YOU DON'T STOP Emil Nasritdinov, Zarina Urmanbetova, Kanatbek Murzakhalilov, Mametbek Myrzabaev Research Institute for Islamic Studies, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan CAP paper, no. 213, January 2019 VULNERABILITY AND RESILIENCE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN KYRGYZSTAN TO RADICALIZATION, VIOLENCE AND EXTREMISM: ANALYSIS ACROSS FIVE DOMAINS Emil Nasritdinov Zarina Urmanbetova Kanatbek Murzakhalilov Mametbek Myrzabaev Research Institute for Islamic Studies, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan CAP paper, no. 213, January 2019 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank everyone who helped with the realization of this project as researchers, experts, and consultants: Nazira Kurbanova, Aiperi Asylbekova, Aijan Toktosheva, Adiliia Temirkulova, Megan McCormack, Ikbalzhan Mirsaitov, Abai Kenzhekulov, Tynchntyk Bakyt uulu, Emil Zheenbekov, Nurlan Kybyraev, Keneshbek Sainazarov, and many others. We would like to extend our gratitude to Marlene Laruelle and Ellen Powell at the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, for their support with editing and publishing this report. TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................... 5 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................... 9 CHAPTER 1: Literature Review .................................................................................................................. 11 Definitions ............................................................................................................................................................ 11 Reasons for Radicalization ................................................................................................................................ 11 Grievances ............................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Politics .................................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Religion ................................................................................................................................................................................ 12 Socialization ........................................................................................................................................................................ 12 Psychology ........................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Socio-Economic Reasons ..................................................................................................................................................... 13 Radicalization of Youth in Kyrgyzstan ............................................................................................................ 13 CHAPTER 2: Research Methodology .......................................................................................................... 15 Questionnaire Survey ......................................................................................................................................... 15 Focus Group Discussions ................................................................................................................................... 16 Case Studies ......................................................................................................................................................... 16 CHAPTER 3: Analysis of Five Domains of Young People’s Lives........................................................... 17 Grievances and Perception of Justice .............................................................................................................. 17 Grievances and Vulnerability to Radicalization ................................................................................................................. 17 Experience of Discrimination .............................................................................................................................................. 17 Evaluation of Social and State Justice ................................................................................................................................. 19 Evaluation of Freedom of Religion and Perception of Muslims’ Conditions ...................................................................... 19 Politics ................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Interest in Politics and Political Participation .................................................................................................................... 20 Religious Perspectives on Politics........................................................................................................................................ 20 Evaluation of Current Political Situation and Main Problems in Kyrgyzstan.................................................................... 21 Evaluation of External Political Actors ............................................................................................................................... 23 Religion ................................................................................................................................................................. 24 Religious Practice ................................................................................................................................................................ 24 Sources of Information about Religion ............................................................................................................................... 24 Religion and Appreciation of People Who Kill Themselves and Others for Religious Purposes ........................................ 25 Socialization ......................................................................................................................................................... 26 Number of Friends and Loneliness/Isolation ...................................................................................................................... 26 Frequency and Types of Conflicts ........................................................................................................................................ 27 Attitude toward People of Other Ethnic Groups, Other Religions, and Converts ............................................................... 27 Psychology ............................................................................................................................................................ 27 Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction ......................................................................................................................... 28 Beck’s Youth Anger Test ...................................................................................................................................................... 28 Summarizing Vulnerability/Resilience Factors across Domains .............................................................. 29 Straightforward Factors Increasing Vulnerability to Radicalization ..................................................................... 30 Straightforward Factors Increasing Resilience to Radicalization ........................................................................... 31 Less Straightforward Factors ......................................................................................................................................... 32 CHAPTER 4: Case Studies ............................................................................................................................. 33 Case 1: TA—Kyrgyz Supporter of Hizb ut-Tahrir .......................................................................................... 33 Case 2: JA—Uzbek Syrian Fighter by Accident .............................................................................................. 35 Case 3: KK—The Syrian Story of a Uyghur Labor Migrant .......................................................................... 36 CONCLUSIONS................................................................................................................................................. 41 RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................................................... 43 BIBLIOGRAPHY .............................................................................................................................................. 47 GLOSSARY AND ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................................... 51 APPENDIX ....................................................................................................................................................... 53 Questionnaire Form ........................................................................................................................................... 53 3 EXECUTIVE