Designing and Assessing the Optimal Model of Confronting Strategies against Security Threats of Extremist Islamism in Central Asia with the Emphasis on the Role of Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. in Sociology, University of Tajik Academy of Sciences

2 Ph.D. in Political Science, University of Tajik Academy of Sciences

3 Associate Professor of Political Sciences, Payame Noor University

Abstract

The objective of research: The present research puts forward designing and assessing the optimal model of strategies with security threats of extremist Islamism in Central Asia with the emphasis on the role of Iran with the objective of presentation of suitable strategies for confronting extremist Islamism in countries of Central Asia.
Theoretical framework: For a theoretical explanation of the Etiology of extremist Islamism threats in Central Asia, a compound approach includes the theory of Huntington Political Development and theories of social pressure such as the theory of Robert Agnive General pressure, Robert Morton and Peter and Judit feel of relative deprivation have not been applicable. Therefore, for theoretical explanation of strategies to control extremist Islamism in Central Asia, the Convergence theory, cultural diplomacy, soft power, and social development have been applied.
Method of research: Having used qualitative research approach and content analysis, the data, relative to coping strategies with security threats of extremist Islamism in Central Asia with the emphasis on the role of Iran were collected through a semi-structured interview (standard) with 12 persons (among them are university professors and experts in political science and regional studies), done as theoretical sampling method and theoretical saturation. For analysis of qualitative data, the contents analysis and contents network based on theoretical coding process in 3 stages “open coding, axial coding and, selected coding” has been used in line with the finding of basic themes, organized themes and comprehensive themes and finally, a conceptual model of confronting strategies against security threats of extremist Islamism in Central Asia have been formed with emphasis on the role of Iran. To validate the issues and structural model, the evaluation method was used as a communication method (by referring to the interviewers) and the audit method (by referring to professors and experts). For reliability testing, two reproducibility methods (by accessing the internal agreement coefficient between the two transition codes and eliminating existing deficiencies), as well as transferability or generalizability (by performing theoretical and comprehensive sampling), were used.
Research findings: Qualitative research findings showed that optimal model of confronting strategies against security threats of extremist Islamism in Central Asia with emphasis on the role of Iran with nine comprehensive themes have been reached to theoretical saturation (including themes: 1. compassionate and moral recitation promotion of moderate Islam; 2. effort for cultural convergence; 3. using scientific and university capacities; 4. Taking into consideration economic development; 5. strengthening sustainable security; 6. strengthening Islamic unity discourse and convergence in coping with extremism; 7. considering political development; 8. considering social development in Central Asia; 9. considering sustainable development in Iran, 10. 20 organized themes that finally lead to 120 basic themes bring about theoretical saturation.
Conclusion: This research indicates that using strategies and developmental strategies and special convergence diplomacy of the soft and cultural power of the most appropriate coping strategies with security threats of extremist Islamism in Central Asia has been with emphasis on the role of Iran. Finally, the presentation of proposals in the frame of suitable strategies for coping with security threats of extremist Islamism in Central Asia with consideration to the role of Iran are as follow:

Using all capacities for introducing and informing, regards moderate Islam and its distinction with radical Islam.
Laying the groundwork for strengthening cultural and historical aspects, which Iran shares with Central Asia.
Using all capacities in line with strengthening literal and art capacities, which Iran shares with central Asia.
Laying the groundwork and using all scientific and faculty capacities for strengthening relations and scientific, educational, and research exchange in Central Asia.
Laying the groundwork and using all capacities for strengthening economic relations with Central Asia.
Laying the groundwork for economic development in Central Asia.
Laying the groundwork and using all external and internal organizational capacities for the realization of sustainable security in the region.
Strengthening convergence and laying the groundwork for disputes settlement in the region.
Laying the groundwork for synergistic interaction in dealing with extremism in the region.
Laying the groundwork for support and assistant to political development in Central Asia.
Laying the groundwork for promotion of welfare and quality of social life and satisfaction of citizens in Central Asia.
Using all external and internal organizational capacities for economic qualitative and quantitative development.
Laying the groundwork for the development of public scope and civil society in the states of Central Asia.
Holding synergistic interaction between political players for détente in internal areas and foreign relations.
Laying the groundwork for promotion of welfare and social life quality and satisfaction of citizens in Iran.

Keywords


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