Radical Islam or Government Paranoia in Azerbaijan?

Abstract

This article explores the presence of religious groups in Azerbaijan, their varying influence, and the role Azerbaijani state authorities play in their growth and popularity. The Azerbaijani government's uneasiness in the face of growing evidence of Islamic religiosity is rooted in perceived contradictions with state campaigns to portray Azerbaijan as modern, secular state. However, the country's stagnating economy, inflation, unemployment and inequality tell a different story. Following years of political repression, religion is one of the few generally accepted avenues for expressing divergent views and, in some cases, forms of dissent - and even radicalization. For this reason, the Azerbaijani government has periodically engaged in selective Islamic religious suppression to prevent the politicization of increasing Islamic sentiments. However, it is largely the economic, political, and social grievances that drive popular dissent in Azerbaijan, as opposed to major trends in radicalization itself.