Jihadist Disengagement from Violence: Understanding Contributing Factors
By Julie Chernov Hwang
Synopsis
Members of Indonesian jihadist groups are disengaging from violence. Understanding the factors that facilitate disengagement can enable governments and NGOs working in the field of terrorist rehabilitation to tailor programmes accordingly.
The Malacca Strait Patrols: Finding Common Ground
By Koh Swee Lean Collin
Synopsis
A decade has passed since the Malacca Strait Patrols were launched as a holistic initiative in April 2006 following the initial MALSINDO trilateral coordinated patrols in July 2004. Some useful lessons can be drawn as Southeast Asian littoral states conceive of possible ways forward in promoting regional cooperation in maritime security.
The Curious Case of Wang Yuandongyi: Why Do Some Want to Fight With Anti-ISIS Groups?
By Shashi Jayakumar
Synopsis
The arrest in March 2016 of a Singapore citizen, Wang Yuandongyi, for attempting to travel to Syria to fight with a Kurdish militia against ISIS raises questions about the psychological processes of individuals attempting to join anti-ISIS groups.Should these individuals be treated in the same manner as those attempting to fight for ISIS?
Robots for Japan’s Defence: The Key Issues
By Kalyan M Kemburi
Synopsis
With evolving security requirements and changing socio-economic imperatives, Tokyo might increasingly opt for robots and unmanned systems for defence systems. However the Japan Self Defence Forces may have to grapple with key organisational and operational issues if they decide to robotise warfighting capabilities.
The West Sumatra Earthquakes: Not Learning Our Lessons?
By Jonatan A. Lassa
Synopsis
A big earthquake hit the ocean floor off Southwestern Sumatra, Indonesia on 2 March 2016. Tsunami warnings were issued by the government to the whole Sumatran regions. How effective are Indonesia’s tsunami warning systems today?
Cyber Ribat in Malaysia: Countering IS’ New Online Guards
By Muhammad Haziq Bin Jani
Synopsis
Online support for ISIL in Malaysia measures in the thousands of pro-Islamic State (IS) Facebook accounts. Authorities will have to look at cyber ribat – the cyber guarding of military frontiers - seriously and decide on counter-narratives to stem the growing tide of this new pedigree of on-line jihadist radicalisation.