Drugs in Central Asia : Security Implications and Political Manipulations

The unprecedented growth of the drugs trade in Central Asia was facilitated by a combination of internal and external factors. A deteriorating socio-economic environment, weak state institutions, combined with record rates of opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, helped create an environment attractive to criminal penetration. As a result of gaining a foothold in the region, the Central Asian drugs trade has subsequently been directly responsible for causing a greater degree of national and regional instability. In addition to threatening aspects of human security, drugs have also facilitated the rise of armed militants, and further deteriorated the ability of states to address their political and economic shortcomings. Furthermore, although the drugs trade has had serious implications on regional security, it may also be argued that national governments and external actors manipulate the drugs threat in an attempt to increase their influence and attain unrelated political and economic goals