Globalization and Post-Soviet Revival of Islam in Central Asia and the Caucasus

Abstract

The fall of Communism at the turn of the twenty-firstt century attracted much interest in the affairs of the central Asian republics and the Caucasus, which were the Muslim areas of the former Soviet Union. Since then, not only the Muslim world but also the Western world have equally been involved in this region. However, Russia still remains the most influential player in the region. The factors that have attracted the interest of outsiders in the central Asian and other Muslim regions of the former Soviet Union are economic, political, cultural and religious in nature. The re-emergence of Muslim states of the former Soviet Union sparked the emergence of an ideological battle ground. Much debate is taking place among policy makers to discuss a return to civil society, but so far no one has come up with an acceptable variant. Yet, in addition to educational and cultural programmes, the Islamic groups in the region are involved in political activities as well. This paper will focus on two basic questions: (a) has there been a policy change by the leaders of the region since the independence from the Soviet rule? and (b) can Islam play a substantial role in the politics and society of this region in the post-Soviet era, which was so much obscured during the rule of the Soviets?