Routledge - Religion and Security in South and Central Asia

Explore the complex relationship between faith and regional stability in this academic work from the Central Asia Research Forum. Published by Routledge, this book examines how religion and security shape traditional societies across South and Central Asia. It provides a deep look into the tension between moderate Islamic practices, which include strong indigenous and Sufi elements, and the rise of radical Wahabi and Taliban ideologies. Readers will gain insight into how extremist movements and violent Islamist groups impact secular and democratic polities. The text addresses the serious challenges these groups pose to inter-religious harmony, state security, and territorial integrity. By analyzing the connections between religious extremism, terrorism, and issues like drug trafficking, this book offers a necessary perspective on the modern geopolitical landscape of the region.