Release Of Aspi Report - Neighbourhood Watch: The Evolving Terrorist Threat In Southeast Asia

Release of ASPI report - Neighbourhood Watch: The Evolving Terrorist Threat in Southeast Asia

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) today released a new report on how the Southeast Asian terrorist threat might evolve in the future.

The report was launched by Attorney-General The Hon Robert McClelland MP, at Parliament House. In his speech, the Minister welcomed the publication of the report and said it help Australians better understand the critical challenges faced by our country, and by countries in Southeast Asia.

`This report helps inform the Australian public about important and fascinating changes that have occurred in Indonesia and it provides very thoughtful insights into future directions for our bilateral cooperation'.

The regional terrorist threat remains high on the list of Australia's national security priorities. It is time to take stock of the regional security environment and to ask how the Southeast Asian terrorist threat might evolve in the future.

This report, authored by Peter Chalk and Carl Ungerer, analyses the changing nature of religious militancy and sets out a framework for understanding the forces and trends that are driving jihadist extremism in the region.

A number of policy recommendations are made on the appropriate next steps in Australia's regional counter-terrorism strategy including leading a diplomatic campaign to ensure compliance with international counter-terrorism conventions.

At the launch, author Dr Carl Ungerer said despite the absence of a major bombing campaign in Southeast Asia since 2005, the regional terrorist threat remains real and requires constant vigilance and monitoring.

(ENDS)

More Information: Contact author Carl Ungerer on 02-6270-5106 or 0438-708-500.

For copies of the report contact ASPI on (02) 6270 5101 or download from the website, www.aspi.org.au


Phone + 61 6270 5100
Fax + 61 2 6273 9566
www.aspi.org.au
ACN 097 369 045

SOURCE: Australian Strategic Policy Institute