Islamism and Anti-Americanism in Central Asia

The failure of Western models of economic relations and governance gave rise to calls for authentic, culturally appropriate alternatives in Central Asia—and the tapping of anti-American themes. In their recruitment efforts, [Islamists used] Soviet-era anti-Americanism as a resource, increasingly presenting images of the United States and its allies in order to depict Islam as inherently peaceful, and the United States and its allies as inherently war-seeking.