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Terrorism in Southeast Asia

In: Historical Events

Submitted By lieseldizon
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Addressing International Terrorism in Southeast Asia: A Matter of Strategic or Functional Approach?

Terrorism is one of the global issues that the world is facing today. It is increasing drastically around the world and Southeast Asia is considered as one of the hot spot for terrorist activities. As an aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States, the US declared the global campaign against terrorism and put focus on combating terrorist groups that is located in Southeast Asia that are known to have ties to the Al-Qaeda terrorist network. The US dangled financial, diplomatic and military assistance to attract allies and supporters in the region in its effect to mobilize these Southeast Asian states in the global counter-terrorism campaign (De Castro 2004). The US provided military training, financial aid, and intelligence support.

To conclude, terrorism is very rampant today. A terrorist attack might take place anytime and anywhere. The global counter-terrorism campaign of US paved the way to create a stronger international cooperation among Southeast Asian nations. But the so-called campaign seemed to ignore the fact that the strategic/military approach of the US in combating terrorism could further worsen the tension between the radical Islamist groups. The functionalist approach/cooperative security is possibly the best way to address the growing international terrorism in Southeast Asia and in the world. (204 words)

References:
De Castro, RC 2004, ‘Addressing international terrorism in southeast asia: a matter of strategic or functional approach?’,Contemporary Southeast Asia, vol. 26, no. 2, pp.193-217.

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