Regional
Challenges for P/CVE

Many violent extremist groups in Southeast Asia are part of or influenced by global terror networks like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. The return of foreign fighters who joined ISIS in the Middle East poses a significant challenge for P/CVE efforts, as these individuals may bring back violent ideologies, military training, and connections to extremist networks.

Religious and ethnic divisions in Southeast Asia often fuel violent extremism. In countries like Myanmar, where the Rohingya crisis is ongoing, and southern Thailand, where Muslim insurgencies persist, these conflicts are exploited by extremist groups to recruit and justify violence.

Ineffective governance and corruption create environments where extremism can thrive. Extremist groups often take advantage of poor rule of law and inadequate government services to gain support by providing alternative social services or protection to marginalized communities.

Southeast Asia has a significant youth population, which is particularly vulnerable to radicalization due to factors such as unemployment, poverty, and a lack of access to quality education. Extremist groups often target young people through social media and religious networks, promoting violent ideologies as a way to address grievances or gain a sense of belonging.