Strengthening enlightenment and outreach activities is one way to prevent terrorism and extremism.
The complex geopolitical situation of the modern world and the spread of such undesirable and horrifying phenomena as terrorism and extremism, which pose a direct threat to human society, peace and stability, state security and sustainable development of society, are of concern not only to the Republic of Tajikistan, but also the planet. Analyses confirm that terrorism is one of the most dangerous crimes involving malicious acts such as explosions, incidents of arson, firing of firearms, destruction of properties, disruption of the security of the State, society, the activities of State authorities and military structures, intimidation of large numbers of the population, physical harm to community members or representatives of the authorities for the aim of weakening the foundations of the constitutional order, state security and other dangerous acts established by the legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan.
If we turn to the history of human life and activity, we will see that along with the development and progress of society, various social phenomena and hazards appeared and were realized in various forms and methods. However, in the late XXth century, among other problems, terrorism and extremism have become hazardous universal-human phenomena. Above we mentioned terrorism, but in the context of this negative manifestation of society, extremism is also one of the dangerous crimes, and the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On Countering Extremism" No. 1655 of January 2, 2020 defines the concept of extremism as follows: "Extremism is an expression of ideology and extremist activities aimed at solving political, public, social, national, racial, regional and religious issues by violent means and other illegal actions."
The news and reports published in the media show that terrorist and extremist actions in recent years have taken on a new character, have become even more frightening and violent, and have created dangerous consequences for the life process of people and the foundations of the constitutional order of the countries of the world. “The complex and alarming situation in the region and the world, including the increasing intensification of the process of world redistribution, rapid armament, the Cold War, modern threats and hazards - terrorism and extremism, illegal arms trafficking, cybercrime and other organized transnational crime, forces us to ensure that additional measures are taken for the defense security of our country”. This point was stressed in the message of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Honorable Emomali Rahmon to the Supreme Assembly of the Republic of Tajikistan on December 28, 2023.
Indeed, this constant focus by the Leader of the Nation demonstrates that the fight against terrorism and extremism is not the separate responsibility of intelligence services and individual States, but the responsibility of the entire international community. However, despite this, the Republic of Tajikistan is at the forefront of the fight against terrorism and extremism and considers the most important task to ensure its national and world security.
According to the opinion of scientists to prevent such undesirable manifestations of society, it is necessary to strengthen educational and upbringing activities, starting from the family and ending with the school and other organizations, institutions and government agencies, because the conditions of the modern world require more and more attention to the issue of upbringing. It is necessary to attach serious importance to the education and awakening of patriotism and self-awareness. Although the concept of "terrorism" is interpreted and expressed in different ways in people's understanding today, its basic meaning and essence is intimidation directed against the peaceful life of people, which is similar to other undesirable terms such as "terror", "terrorist activities" and "terrorist movement".
It is important to note that extremism and terrorism, which today have acquired a so-called "international" character, require interstate and international cooperation to eradicate this negative phenomenon.
According to the analysis of experts, terrorism is one of the means of implementing the political goals of organized groups, which in this way want to adjust the economic and political map of the planet in their benefit. In addition to this, the main purpose of international terrorism in a country is to overthrow the constitutional order and establish ignorant and more extremist ideological systems, which of course is done by influencing the ideology of the unenlightened youth and changing their will and attraction.
Therefore, the youth, the future of the nation with honor should always have their political intelligence and protect national interests, especially state independence and national unity.
Finally, it must be emphasized that the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Safety and Security Agency of the NAST, as the state regulatory authority in the field of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials, is using modern methods today to combat terrorist organizations and criminals exploiting unscrupulous methods, fighting tirelessly within the framework of successful cooperation with law enforcement agencies of the country to eradicate this challenge.
Olimjon Azizov, Head of International and Public Relations Department, CBRN Safety and Security Agency of NAST, Candidate of Technical Sciences
Zarobudin Shirinov, Specialist, International Relations and Public Relations Department, CBRN Safety and Security Agency of NAST