NCJ Number
218403
Journal
Studies in Conflict & Terrorism Volume: 30 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2007 Pages: 445-458
Date Published
May 2007
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article uses a case study of Uzbekistan and Central Asian insecurity to examine the challenges to development and regionalization posed by sub-state terrorism.
Abstract
The main argument is that counterterrorism strategies should address socioeconomic feeders of radicalism while also addressing the threat of political violence itself. Such an approach requires advocating increased trade volumes and export oriented growth to protect development while at the same time controlling illicit trade, which may support terrorism, and trade in strategic goods that could undermine state security. Uzbekistan and Central Asia are analyzed to show the utility of customs modernization, border security, and export control legislation as important components to wider counterterrorism strategies. To be effective, the authors argue that this type of counterterrorism strategy must be implemented within a cooperative agreement among relevant regional actors, such as Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, as well as among international powers such as Russia, China, and the United States. While the study addresses current day Uzbekistan and Central Asia, the analysis has implications for understanding the relationship between “grey areas” and terrorism movements worldwide. Notes