Diverse Islamic groups have triggered a 'revival of Islam' in Central Asia in the last decades. As a result, there has been a general securitization of Islam by the governments: not only do they combat the terrorist Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan but also outlaw popular groups such as the Gülen movement. However, strong repression of religion might lead to radicalization. Kathrin LenzRaymann tests this hypothesis with an agentbased computer simulation and enriches her study with interviews with international experts, leaders of political Islam and representatives of folk Islam. She concludes that ensuring religious rights is essential for national security.

Kathrin Lenz-Raymann (lic. phil.) works in the field of political consulting in Zurich, Switzerland. Her research interests include social and human security, counter-terrorism policies and human rights.