Secular Authoritarianism, Ideology, and Islamist Mobilization

Abstract

Abstract Chapter 1 develops the book’s arguments and analytical framework, reviewing the elements of an ideational approach to religion and politics and establishing the process by which Islamist emergence and mobilization take place in Central Asia. Four key variables shape how this process unfolds over time: religious repression, Islamist ideology, religious entrepreneurs, and associational space. State repression of Islam triggers contention, political exclusion, and latent politicization of Muslim identity under conditions of virtually no associational space. Islamist ideas spread, inspiring religious entrepreneurs to emerge and organize an underground opposition. Increasing associational space and political opportunity are likely to trigger open mass mobilization. The chapter also examines the three strategies used by religious entrepreneurs to facilitate mass mobilization in high-risk, authoritarian contexts: ideological adaptation, emphasizing congruence with a local religious and historical context; building sacred authority; and developing both local and transcommunal networks.