Religious Extremism in the Context of Modern Socio-Cultural Processes

The article examines the phenomenon of religious extremism as a special manifestation of the crises of modern culture and the transformation of spiritual values. The authors highlight key socio-cultural factors influencing the spread of extremist ideas, including globalization and identity crisis, weakening of the traditional spiritual foundations of society, digitalization and new channels of radicalization, extremism as a symptom of a cultural crisis, and ways to counter it. Particular attention is paid to the specifics of Central Asia and Kyrgyzstan, where extremist ideology is gaining social appeal against the backdrop of an identification crisis and economic problems. It is shown that religious extremism acts not only as a political and ideological threat, but also as a reflection of deep changes in the socio-cultural structure of modernity. The conclusion is made about the need for a systemic approach to understanding and preventing this phenomenon: combining legal measures with cultural and educational policies, strengthening traditional values, developing critical thinking in young people, developing media literacy and creating positive counter-narratives. Only through comprehensive interaction between the state, society and religious communities is it possible to overcome the threat of religious radicalism.