Despite counter-terrorism efforts, transnational and local jihadism in Southeast Asia is on the rise. Although groups in the area differ in their dynamics and operations, their presence and propaganda are still an element of risk and security threat. In some cases, we see a fusion between local insurgency of separatist Muslim groups and transnational jihadism, as in the Philippines and Indonesia, in other areas, instead, there is a rapprochement or influence of some factions but no established link, as in the southern provinces of Thailand. In any case, both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State are trying to expand their operations in the area, although to date their operations are more on a propaganda level. The areas of interest in this overview, which will show more and less active groups, are Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Myanmar.
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What are the reasons behind the expansion of…
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Despite counter-terrorism efforts, transnational and local jihadism in Southeast Asia is on the rise. Although groups in the area differ in their dynamics and operations, their presence and propaganda are still an element of risk and security threat. In some cases, we see a fusion between local insurgency of separatist Muslim groups and transnational jihadism, as in the Philippines and Indonesia, in other areas, instead, there is a rapprochement or influence of some factions but no established link, as in the southern provinces of Thailand. In any case, both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State are trying to expand their operations in the area, although to date their operations are more on a propaganda level. The areas of interest in this overview, which will show more and less active groups, are Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Myanmar.