Leveraging Islam and Internal Conflict: Strategies and Consequences in Russia's War Against Ukraine

Abstract

Assessment of the president of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov; the inner-Chechen conflict; and Chechen fighters on both sides in Russia's war against Ukraine reveals how internal conflicts become crucial for international structures and how transnational dynamics - such as foreign fighter flows - pose challenges to the interplay of national and international law. By anticipating the effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine beyond the Zeitenwende in Germany and Europe, policy-makers will increase readiness and preparedness for the ongoing but also post-war period. Kadyrov’s ambitious presence in Russia's war against Ukraine is a double-edged sword: his loyalty toward Putin is one factor in maintaining political security; yet he is overplaying his hand and contributes to the intensification of new-old conflicts that challenge Russian politics. As an Islamic politician, Kadyrov positions himself as the spokesperson for Russian Muslims and a link between Moscow and regimes in the Middle East. For Putin, amid Russia's international isolation, Kadyrov is a flexible, non-binding, and low cost means in this context. Russia's invasion of Ukraine triggered high foreign fighter movements from Europe to Ukraine that challenge the interplay of national and international law and make Germany a likely destination for returning European fighters.