Political and Security Challenges in Central Asia

Abstract

Central Asian states are facing a grave threat to their security from drug trafficking in recent years. Geo-strategic location, unstable socio-political situation, and emergence of radical parties are providing the leitmotif to the proliferation of illegal trade in this region. In some cases, there appears a linkage between drug trafficking and rebel movements on the one hand and the law enforcement authorities on the other. The problem requires adoption of a multi-pronged approach on part of the state authorities of these countries in combating the menace. Civil society organizations can also play an important role in this regard in raising the aware-ness of people regarding the negative consequences of drug use and trade. What may be useful is a firm commitment on the part of political elite in meeting the challenges emanating from drug trafficking. Augmenting the existing regional cooperative arrangements like CSTO, SCO and CACO is also necessary.

Afghanistan’s ‘Political Insecurity’ and the Emerging Geopolitical Calculus in Eurasia

“…Nexus between these two elements was also highlighted by Afghan President Ghani when he asserted that ‘without drugs, this war would have been long over … the heroin is a very important driver of this war’ ( New York Times , 2017). This assertion is a reflection of the ‘unholy alliance’ between narcotic production in the trouble-torn state of Afghanistan and its trafficking through the neighbouring regions (Gleason, Hank, & Bosin, 2009; Mohapatra, 2007).…”

“…As three states (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan) share borders with Afghanistan, this heightens the security threats, in and around Eurasia. It has been observed that the Tajik civil war prolonged only because of instability in Afghanistan (Hill, 2002; Mohapatra, 2007). Some of the radical groups in Central Asia like the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) also took both direct and indirect help from Afghan radical groups like the Taliban (Balci & Chaudet, 2014).…”

“…This will end the geographical isolation of Uzbekistan in the longer-run (Kamilov, 2020). Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan are also facing common problems related to spreading of radicalism, drug trafficking and cross-border terrorism mostly emanating from Afghanistan (Mohapatra 2007; UNODC, 2018, pp. 70–71).…”