Publication

This report examines the penetration of the so-called Islamic State (IS) into Southeast Asia and Australia, and assesses the effectiveness of the policies that have been put in place to blunt the group’s activities in this part of the world. More specifically, the text’s author 1) reviews IS’ origins and objectives; 2) traces its activities in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand; 3) gauges the effectiveness of the countermeasures instituted by Malaysia and Indonesia against IS; and 4) extends his analysis to Australia, which has been increasingly targeted by the group. Finally, the author recommends ways that Southeast Asian nations and Australia can improve their anti-IS efforts.