RAIR Foundation
Russia’s descent into deeper Islamization under Vladimir Putin’s leadership signals a dangerous convergence of authoritarianism and religious extremism, forming a “Red-Green Axis” that imperils the nation’s cultural integrity and security. This troubling alliance between Putin’s regime and Islamic authorities, exemplified by a decree from Russia’s highest Islamic council allowing religious polygamy, should alarm anyone concerned with the preservation of secular governance and national stability.
Polygamy by Stealth: Eroding Russian Law
Despite Russia’s legal prohibition of polygamy, Grand Mufti Ildar Alyautdinov’s recent decree permits men to marry multiple wives under religious pretexts, such as infertility or “sexual incompatibility.” While this ruling holds no legal authority, its potential societal impact in Muslim-majority regions like Chechnya and Dagestan cannot be ignored. The issue is further compounded by canonical Islamic texts like Reliance of the Traveller, which instruct Muslims to adhere to Sharia law even when living outside Islamic nations.
By tolerating such decrees, Putin tacitly endorses a parallel legal system that undermines Russian secular law in favor of Sharia principles.
This raises a critical question: Why is Putin allowing Islam’s influence to infiltrate Russian society at a time when Islamic extremism is on the rise? The answer may lie in his broader strategy to appease Islamic leaders and consolidate his power, even at the expense of Russian sovereignty and cultural cohesion.
Islamic Terrorism Flourishes on Putin’s Watch
Russia is no stranger to Islamic terrorism, but 2024 has seen a disturbing escalation in violence. From the Crocus City Hall massacre to the IK-19 prison siege, Islamic extremism is no longer a localized threat—it is spreading across Russia. Instead of confronting this menace, Putin’s government appears complicit in fostering an environment where radical Islam thrives.
Consider the introduction of Sharia-compliant banking in Russia, which critics warn is not merely an economic tool but a pipeline for funding Islamic extremism. These financial structures provide radicals with the resources to sustain and expand their networks. Simultaneously, Putin’s crackdown on “Islamophobia” and his imprisonment of Quran burners further embolden extremists by signaling that dissent against Islam will not be tolerated.
Putin’s Dangerous Courting of Islamic Allies
Putin’s alliance with the Islamic world extends beyond Russia’s borders. His collaboration with Pakistan to combat so-called “Islamophobia” showcases his willingness to side with Islamic nations against the West and non-Muslims. In Chechnya, he proudly declared Russia the “most reliable partner of the Islamic world,” a chilling statement that makes clear his prioritization of Islam over Russia’s secular and Orthodox Christian heritage.
This pandering to Islamic leaders is not born of ideological alignment but of political expediency. By positioning himself as an ally to the Islamic world, Putin hopes to secure financial and strategic partnerships, even if it means compromising Russia’s cultural identity and security. However, this strategy is not without peril. As violent incidents escalate and Islamic influence deepens, Putin may find himself unable to control the forces he has unleashed.
The Red-Green Axis: A Global Warning
Putin’s embrace of Islam reflects a broader “Red-Green Axis”—a dangerous alliance between authoritarian regimes and Islamic movements. Under Vladimir Putin’s leadership, Russia’s increasing Islamization signals a troubling convergence of authoritarianism and religious extremism, threatening the nation’s cultural integrity and security. This alliance, exemplified by a decree from Russia’s highest Islamic council permitting religious polygamy, undermines secular governance and should alarm anyone concerned about Russia’s stability and sovereignty.
The Way Forward
Putin’s alliance with Islam is a threat that Russians themselves must confront head-on. It’s their secular identity and cultural integrity at stake, and the growing Islamization of their country will only deepen the divisions and instability Putin has fostered. Russians must call out his hypocrisy and the dangers of his pandering to Islam, which undermines their laws and values in favor of Sharia principles.
As Islamic extremism continues to spread, the question isn’t whether Putin regrets his choices. The real question is whether he even recognizes the threat he has unleashed—or if he’s knowingly leading Russia down this perilous path.
Amy Mek
I’m still trying to wrap my head around why Putin thinks he can control the Islamic fundamentalists who are governed by a worldwide belief Islam must take over the world and establish a global caliphate. The Muslims have not forgiven him for conducting two brutal wars in Chechnya or the war in Afghanistan, although that one wasn’t under his watch. The fact that Russia has a large and modern nuclear arsenal along with modern delivery systems should be ringing alarm bells in Washington-but certainly won’t under the current administration. Let’s hope the Trump administration at least takes notice of what is happening even though there’s little they can do about it.