Excellencies,
distinguished participants, Ladies, and gentlemen,
Please allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (EC, RATS) for inviting me for the third time to participate in this significant conference.
It is a great honor to be here today to discuss an issue that is not only pressing but also fundamental to the stability and integrity of states worldwide, the challenge of extremism and its profound impact on state sovereignty.
Throughout history, the concept of sovereignty has served as a cornerstone and fundamental principle of international law and international relations, embodying the rights and responsibilities of states to govern themselves, their ability to maintain control over their territories, safeguard their citizens, and preserve internal stability.
However, in our ever more interconnected world, this cornerstone faces a growing challenge posed by forces operating beyond the traditional boundaries of the state. One force that can seriously endanger and erode the sovereignty of states is extremism.
Extremism in its many forms, represents one of the most potent threats to state sovereignty today, threatens its integrity, security, social cohesion, and international relations, and hinders its capacity to maintain internal security and develop effective policies for the welfare of its citizens.
Whether driven by ideological, religious, or political motives, extremist groups have shown a persistent ability to undermine the authority of states, destabilize societies, and erode the foundations of governance.
Their methods—ranging from violent insurgencies to sophisticated cyber-attacks—pose complex challenges that test the resilience of even the most robust nations.
To better understand the effects of extremism on state sovereignty and mitigate the associated risks, it may be necessary to conduct seminars. However, given the limited time available, I will specifically examine the impact of religious extremism on state sovereignty and offer examples from current global events.
The rise of religious extremism poses one of the most severe threats to state sovereignty in the modern era. Religious extremism often underpinned by the desire to establish a theocratic rule or enforce a particular interpretation of faith texts, challenges the secular foundations of states.
When these ideologies gain traction, the legitimacy of governments is undermined, parallel governments are established and operating outside the control of the recognized state, disrupt social cohesion, and replace state institutions with rule by extremist factions, eroding the core functions of governance, leaving states fragmented and powerless, ultimately leading to the collapse of state's sovereignty.
Ladies, and gentlemen,
In our analysis of religious extremism, it is crucial to acknowledge that this matter extends beyond any single religious faith. Although Islam has frequently been associated with extremism due to certain incidents, it is imperative to note that history has proven that extremist ideologies are not confined to any religion.
Religious extremism in Europe and the West has deep historical roots and contemporary manifestations, reflecting the complex interplay between faith, power, and societal change.
In ancient times, religious extremism was evident in the violent enforcement of Christian orthodoxy during the medieval Crusades and the Inquisition, where dissenters and non-believers were persecuted. The Protestant Reformation and the subsequent wars of religion in the 16th and 17th centuries further illustrated the intense sectarian conflicts driven by religious extremism.
In modern times, Islamic radicalization has emerged, particularly after the 9/11 attacks, leading to terrorist activities in Europe, and the West as well as Islamic societies. Additionally, far-right Christian extremism has also emerged, often intertwined with nationalist ideologies, challenging Western multiculturalism and liberal values.
Discussing extremism is inherently complex and broad, encompassing various ideological, political, and social dimensions across different contexts.
However, I will focus specifically on how the extremism of certain Islamic groups has undermined the sovereignty of various countries, and how such groups have challenged state authority, disrupted governance, and compromised national security.
The rise of extremist organizations in the 21st century has profoundly impacted the sovereignty and stability of several states across the Middle East and Africa. Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Nigeria, and Libya have witnessed the devastating effects of such groups, whose actions have not only destabilized these nations but also eroded their governments' control over their territories and populations.
By exploiting political vacuums, sectarian divisions, and social grievances, extremists have managed to undermine state authority, establish parallel governance structures, and in some cases, even carve out quasi-states within internationally recognized borders.
The Extremist and Terrorist organizations follow a disturbingly similar pattern in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, and Nigeria. These countries have experienced a common threat, terrorist groups have exploited internal vulnerabilities to challenge the authority of the state. They capitalized on weak state institutions, filling the void left by corrupt or ineffective governance.
By employing brutal violence and terror, parallel governance, and the manipulation of sectarian and ethnic divisions, these organizations have managed to delegitimize the central governments, erode the states' control, and, in some cases, even establish their semi-states within recognized borders.
Ladies, and gentlemen,
In general, it can be stated that extremist organizations have adopted comparable approaches and tactics across various nations. to destabilize countries and undermine their sovereignty, these methods can be summarized as follows:
1. Utilization of Violence and Terrorism
Extremists and terrorist organizations heavily rely on the use of violence, including acts of terrorism, to accomplish their objectives. They employ tactics such as bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, and various other forms of violent attacks to instill fear, create instability within the regions where they operate, and challenge the authority of the governing state. This utilization of violence serves not only as a strategy to weaken the state but also as a method to showcase its strength and influence.
2. Undermining Political structure and establishment of Parallel Governance
Extremist groups often reject the legitimacy of the state's political institutions, promoting alternative systems based on their ideological beliefs. They take advantage of weak state structures, lack of law enforcement, and inadequate public services. In these states, extremists can operate freely without facing significant resistance.
In areas controlled by extremists, they frequently set up alternative governance systems to provide services like justice, education, and social welfare. This is a direct challenge to the state's authority in these areas and is aimed at gaining support and legitimacy from the local population. The establishment of parallel governance structures also weakens the central government's power and undermines the overall sovereignty of the state.
Additionally, weak state structures are typically plagued by corruption, poor governance, and a lack of rule of law. Extremists exploit these issues to advance their agendas. They infiltrate and manipulate institutions through tactics such as bribery, intimidation, and violence, using these methods to influence decision-making processes and seize control of state resources.
3. Exploitation of Sectarian and Ethnic Divisions
Extremist and terrorist organizations frequently exploit preexisting sectarian, ethnic, or religious divisions to fuel conflict and gain backing. They strategically present themselves as guardians of groups or ideologies, intensifying social rifts and undermining national coherence. As a result, this poses challenges for the state in upholding authority.
4. Transnational Networks and Alliances
Numerous organizations and groups are involved in larger transnational networks. This enables them to obtain external support, coordinate cross-border operations, and attract fighters from different countries. However, this transnational aspect poses a challenge to the sovereignty of individual states. It undermines their capacity to control their borders and effectively counter these groups independently.
5. Undermining the legal System and Justice
Extremists take advantage of actual or perceived injustices within the legal system. They portray legal institutions and law enforcement agencies as corrupt and unfair, which fuels public dissatisfaction, mistrust, and distrust in these institutions. Additionally, extremists resort to violence, intimidation, or threats against law enforcement personnel to undermine their ability to enforce the law. They may also impede justice by intimidating witnesses, destroying evidence, or exploiting legal loopholes to avoid prosecution.
6. Undermining National Unity
Extremists pose a threat to national identity by promoting ideologies that prioritize narrow identities over the broader, inclusive concept of national unity. They exploit social, ethnic, religious, or political differences within a society, creating an atmosphere of distrust and hostility among citizens. In doing so, allegiance to extremist groups or ideologies takes precedence over loyalty to the state and the national community.
In addition, extremists frequently target symbols, institutions, and traditions that embody national identity, to delegitimize the state's authority. By undermining these symbols and institutions, extremists aim to weaken citizens' emotional and psychological connections to their nation, thus facilitating the recruitment of individuals who feel disconnected from the national identity. Ultimately, this jeopardizes the sovereignty and stability of the nation.
7. Control of border areas
The control of border areas by extremists undermines state sovereignty in several ways. First, it weakens the state's ability to enforce laws, protect its territory, and regulate the movement of people and goods. Additionally, it disrupts formal governance as extremists replace state institutions with their own rules and systems. Consequently, the state's legal and administrative functions are weakened, and it faces a direct threat to national security from uncontrolled cross-border activities like smuggling, human trafficking, and the movement of weapons and fighters.
The inability of the state to maintain control over border areas and combat extremists has significant implications. It hinders the state's ability to fulfill both local and international responsibilities. This situation can potentially lead neighboring countries and regional powers to intervene to safeguard their security and prevent the conflict from spilling into their territories.
In some cases, countries and international organizations may feel compelled to intervene and restore security and stability. However, it's important to note that this intervention, regardless of its intention to combat extremism and terrorism, may be perceived as a violation of state sovereignty.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen
The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) strongly upholds its member states' sovereignty and territorial integrity, promoting cooperation and dialogue in a way that respects these fundamental principles. It views sovereignty as a cornerstone of international relations and a critical element for maintaining peace and stability in the Asian region.
CICA emphasizes maintaining state sovereignty and territorial integrity while combating extremism.
CICA member states recognize that extremism significantly threatens regional stability, security, and development. They stress the need for cooperative and multilateral efforts to counter extremism in all its forms. including terrorism, radicalization, and violent extremism.
CICA's approach to extremism involves the following:
1. Promoting dialogue among member states to enhance mutual understanding and trust, which is seen as essential in preventing and countering extremism.
2. Underscoring the importance of respecting state sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of member states. States have the primary responsibility to combat extremism within their territories.
3. Encouraging joint efforts and sharing of best practices, intelligence, and information among member states to combat extremism and prevent its spread across borders effectively.
4. Reaffirming the importance of adhering to international law, particularly the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, in the fight against extremism. This includes respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states while taking necessary measures to counter extremist threats.
5. Emphasizing the link between sustainable development and security, recognizing that poverty, lack of education, and economic inequality can contribute to the spread of extremism. Hence, addressing these root causes is seen as a vital part of preventing extremism.
In summary, CICA advocates for a balanced approach that combines respect for state sovereignty with collective efforts to address the root causes of extremism and strengthen regional security through dialogue and cooperation.
Thank you so much for your kind attention.
Ambassador Adel Adaileh
Expert in the CICA Dimension of New Challenges and Threats.
Tashkent City, Republic of Uzbekistan.
September 4-5, 2024
