Radicalisation is complex in nature, with its multifaceted processes and motivational factors. Therefore, in order for governments to develop effective and efficient counter-terrorism policies and programmes regarding radicalisation, these complexities have to be understood in a thorough and comprehensive manner.
At present, the international community is facing a new terrorism phenomenon, with unprecedented flow of foreign terrorist fighters from various parts of the world participating in the Syria and Iraq conflicts. As of May 2015, it was estimated that over 25,000 foreign terrorist fighters from approximately 100 countries, including those in Southeast Asia, have participated in militant activities in ISIL and other extremist groups.
In this regard, the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia, conducted the ‘ASEM Symposium on Countering Radicalisation’ for ASEM Member Partners.