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  • Essay / Security Challenges in Southeast Asia

    The last security challenge I would like to address is terrorism. The security challenge of terrorism is not a problem only seen in Southeast Asia, but it is a global problem that concerns all countries. After September 11, the main challenge of terrorism is its increasingly transnational organization and the fact that it is often directed against "soft" targets and civilians, inflicts unacceptable damage and threatens the credibility of governments in protecting of their populations (Tellis, 2004). : 41).Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay For example, international terrorist groups, such as Al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), and acts of terrorism have occurred in the region, such as in Bali (October 2002), Jakarta (August 2003 and September 2004) and in the Philippines (February 2003 and February 2004). Additionally, 200 million Muslims live in the Southeast Asian region. With the recent increase in Islamic terrorism, such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda, there are fears that Southeast Asia could become one of the bases for Islamic terrorism. Although it has been said that the Islam of the Southeast Asian region has a tolerant, moderate and peaceful character, it is different from the Islam of the Middle East which prefers more doctrinaire varieties, and that is undoubtedly it. However, it soon became apparent that the region was vulnerable to invasion by violent Muslim militants, as evidenced by the discovery of Al-Qaeda-affiliated networks in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore (Ott, 2006). It is obvious that Southeast Asia has progressed a lot after the end of the Cold War, for example with the establishment of ASEAN, which strengthens bilateral military cooperation in this region, and its rapid economic development has subsequently brought stability. to ASEAN countries. Without colonial power, countries begin to establish their own economies, politics, and futures. However, perhaps due to the fragility of democratization and the political system, new security challenges emerged in Southeast Asia after the Cold War. As I mentioned above, for example, the human security problems of the Rohingya occurred in Myanmar; maritime security challenges, piracy, maritime terrorism, human trafficking and IUU fishing violation, as well as the issue of maritime space in the Spratly Archipelago in the South China Sea; finally, the issue of security from terrorism, the local terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and transnational terrorism. Unlike the Cold War era, without the presence of the great powers that occupied the region, there are fears that if Southeast Asia fails to properly resolve the problems, these challenges could lead to the collapse of some countries in the region. However, according to Professor Sheldon Simon, who has written on Asian security for over 40 years, ASEAN is pursuing a strategy of engagement in the 21st century, bringing together major powers (the United States, China, India, Japan and European countries ) Union) in Southeast Asian Political and Economic Discussions (2014). Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Based on this information, it seems that ASEAN's strategy is to invite ASEAN from outside powers to help them resolve problems. And in my opinion, with the growing status of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, it is possible that outside powers will return and contribute to the future improvement of regional security challenges..