Leaders of Central Asian countries convened in Astana on November 6 to discuss strategies to counter the threats posed by extremist groups' use of artificial intelligence. The discussions were held under a framework called the "Back Process" and focused on how armed groups use artificial intelligence to facilitate terrorism.
Challenges of AI and Terrorism
The use of advanced technologies such as "deep fake" for spreading propaganda and misinformation, as well as aiding recruitment efforts, were among the topics discussed. Armed groups also exploit artificial intelligence to disrupt government investigations into suspicious terrorist incidents and activities.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan, stated that Tashkent is ready to host a branch of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism in Central Asia to strengthen regional cooperation in "reporting terrorist content, identifying terrorist financing, and training specialists." He emphasized that artificial intelligence can help authorities more effectively identify and disrupt the activities of armed groups.
Education and Economic Opportunities
Mirziyoyev also referred to the use of artificial intelligence to expand access to education and increase economic opportunities, stating: "Quality education and creating conditions for individuals to realize their full potential are among the fundamental pillars of security." This topic was highlighted as a key focus in the statement issued from the session.
The President of Uzbekistan also proposed launching a program called "Enlightenment Against Ignorance in the Digital Age" under the supervision of the Tashkent Islamic Civilization Center. Security threats posed by armed groups based in Afghanistan remain a concern for Central Asian leaders. Tajikistan experienced several border incidents last year.
At the same time, the Taliban's control over northern Afghanistan, which borders Central Asian countries, has not been fully consolidated. Monitoring groups have recorded an increase in armed clashes between Taliban forces and rogue groups in 2026. Armed groups outside Taliban control, including ISIS-Khorasan, have been recruiting Central Asian youth.
Brian Todd, a Central Asian security expert at the National Defense University, testified before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee in June 2025, saying: "ISIS-Khorasan is increasingly using a dispersed network of Central Asian operatives to expand its power internationally." He added: "The appeal of ISIS-Khorasan for Central Asia relates to its proximity, ideology, and messaging. Propaganda for Asians is no longer produced en masse but is targeted and precise."
Todd emphasized: "The internet has acted as the key to this change. ISIS-Khorasan's digital operations have become increasingly sophisticated, and the organization is increasingly using encrypted platforms, coded language, and AI-generated content to evade detection and manipulate audiences."
The Back Process was launched in 2015 by Jordan to enhance coordination, cooperation, and exchange of experiences on contemporary security issues. Alongside Mirziyoyev, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan, and Abdullah, the King of Jordan, attended the meeting. The presidents of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, as well as high-ranking representatives from Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan, also participated in the session.
