Over the past few years, terrorist activity has declined in Southeast Asia, including in both Malaysia and the Philippines. However, despite this decline, many of the same dynamics that have historically given rise to terrorism and violent extremism remain the same. What does this mean for the evolution of violent extremism and conflict in Southeast Asia?

As part of RESOLVE’s sixth annual Global Forum Series, the RESOLVE Network held a conversation about recent trends related to regional and local violent extremism and conflict in Southeast Asia. Focusing on Malaysia and the Philippines, this conversation brought together the experts behind two RESOLVE publications to explore historical ties, ongoing developments, cross-border dynamics and their implications for our understanding of current and future manifestations of violent extremism and conflict in the region. 

Stay tuned for more on the 2021-2022 RESOLVE Global Forum Series by following us on Twitter at @resolvenet and joining the conversation with #RESOLVEForum. Convened virtually, the Global Forum Series brings together leading experts and researchers for thought-provoking fireside conversations on evolving trends and dynamics in the violent extremist landscape. 

RESOLVE Network: Better Research. Informed Practice. Improved Policy on Violent Extremism.

Speakers

Dr. Alastair Reed, opening remarks
Senior Expert and Executive Director, RESOLVE Network, U.S. Institute of Peace

Brian Harding, opening remarks 
Senior Expert, Southeast Asia, U.S. Institute of Peace

Dr. Samuel D. Henkin 
Researcher, Geospatial Research Unit, START at University of Maryland

Joseph Franco
Research Fellow, Centre of Excellence for National Security, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies

Amina Rasul-Bernardo 
President, Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy 

Dr. Haroro Ingram, moderator
Fellow, Mindanao State University (Marawi) and Senior Research Fellow with the Program on Extremism at GWU

Related Publications

Active Neutrality: Malaysia in the Middle of U.S.-China Competition

Active Neutrality: Malaysia in the Middle of U.S.-China Competition

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

From its experience of centuries-long colonization to dealing with decades-long Cold War politics, Malaysia is no stranger to navigating major power competition, which it sees as a recurring reality in international politics. Today’s U.S.-China rivalry is just the latest round — it is not the first and it will not be the last. Still, it is important to consider how U.S.-China competition impacts Malaysia and how it, like other small and secondary states in the region, seeks to exercise agency. Even as this major power rivalry intensifies and limits the country’s space for maneuvering, Malaysia insists on employing “equidistant diplomacy” to hedge against multiple risks and cultivate long-term options.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

Project on Conflict, Democracy and Security

Led by Daniel Brumberg, senior adviser to the Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention, this project examines the conditions surrounding political reform in unstable and/or divided societies, aiming to provide a guide for peaceful and inclusive democratic transformation.

Conflict Analysis & Prevention

Baghdad Is Ready for a New Chapter in U.S.-Iraq Relations

Baghdad Is Ready for a New Chapter in U.S.-Iraq Relations

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met last week with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House as part of a weeklong visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. The visit occurred amid several historic anniversaries and dangerous developments in the Middle East. April marks the 21st anniversary of the toppling of Saddam Hussein. Since 2003, the U.S.-Iraq relationship has witnessed many ups and downs. Even as tensions persist, particularly in relation to the U.S. troop presence in the country, al-Sudani’s visit — which featured the largest delegation Iraqis have brought to Washington — demonstrates Iraqi will to start a new chapter in the strategic partnership that goes beyond security.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & GovernanceGlobal Policy

View All Publications