战略与国际研究中心-Islam,-Islamism,-and-Politics-in-Eurasia-Report-IIPER_21页_597kb

Islam, Islamism and Politics in Eurasia Report (IIPER) No. 50, 25 January 2012

Core Content

This report, authored by Gordon M. Hahn, focuses on the structure and evolution of Islamic fundamentalism in the North Caucasus region of Russia. It examines the organizational framework of the Islamic Movement of the North Caucasus (IMNCK), its role in the broader context of Islamic movements across Eurasia, and the dynamics of its influence on local and national politics.

Main Points

• Islamic Movement of the North Caucasus (IMNCK):

  • The IMNCK is a multi-layered, transnational Islamic fundamentalist organization.
  • It has developed a complex structure consisting of various factions, each with its own hierarchy and operational focus.
  • The movement is characterized by its self-organization and local adaptation, with a strong emphasis on religious and ideological cohesion.

• Structure of IMNCK:

  • The organization is organized into sectors, each comprising 4–6 jamaats (local Islamic groups).
  • Each jamaat typically has 8–12 members, and larger sectors can have up to 80 members.
  • The structure is hierarchical, with a central leadership at the top and local branches operating under their guidance.

• Key Characteristics:

  • The movement has a strong presence in the North Caucasus, particularly in Chechnya, Dagestan, and Ingushetia.
  • It is influenced by both local and international Islamic movements, including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) and the Islamic Movement of Azerbaijan (IMAZ).
  • The movement operates through a network of local cells and regional councils, with a focus on both religious and political activism.

• Role in Politics:

  • The IMNCK plays a significant role in the political landscape of the North Caucasus, often influencing local governance and public opinion.
  • It has been involved in both peaceful and militant activities, aiming to establish an Islamic state in the region.
  • The movement is seen as a challenge to the Russian state's secular policies and has been associated with various forms of resistance, including armed conflict.

• Comparison with Other Movements:

  • The IMNCK is compared with other Islamic movements in the region, such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and the Islamic Movement of Azerbaijan.
  • It is considered more radical and militant than these other groups, with a stronger focus on establishing an Islamic state through both ideological and physical means.

• Impact and Challenges:

  • The IMNCK has had a significant impact on the political and social fabric of the North Caucasus.
  • It faces challenges from both the Russian government and other Islamic groups, which have led to internal conflicts and a complex network of alliances.
  • The movement's influence is also felt in the broader context of Islamic fundamentalism across Eurasia, with its activities affecting regional stability.

Key Information

• Organizational Structure: The IMNCK is organized into sectors, each with multiple jamaats. Each jamaat has a local leadership, and the entire movement is coordinated by a central leadership.
• Operational Focus: The movement emphasizes both religious and political activism, with a goal of establishing an Islamic state in the North Caucasus.
• Regional Influence: The IMNCK has a strong presence in Chechnya, Dagestan, and Ingushetia, with significant impact on local politics and society.
• Comparison with Other Groups: It is more radical and militant than other Islamic movements in the region, with a stronger focus on armed conflict.
• Challenges: The movement faces challenges from the Russian government and other Islamic groups, leading to internal conflicts and a complex network of alliances.
• Impact on Regional Stability: The IMNCK's activities have contributed to regional instability, affecting both the political and social landscape of the North Caucasus.

Conclusion

The report highlights the complexity and significance of the Islamic Movement of the North Caucasus, emphasizing its role as a transnational Islamic fundamentalist organization with a strong local presence and influence. It underscores the movement's structure, operational focus, and impact on the region, while also noting the challenges it faces and its broader implications for Islamic fundamentalism in Eurasia.