EXPLORES YOUTH RADICALIZATION IN SOUTHEAST ASIA:NAVIGATING IDENTITY AND IDEOLOGY IN A DIGITAL AGE

The Centre for the Study of Extremism (CENTINEL) and the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) co-hosted a compelling virtual webinar titled "Trapped Between Ideal & Identity: Youth Radicalisation in the Age of Paradox."

The event was the first of a two-part series addressing the escalating challenge of youth radicalization in Southeast Asia. With approximately 200 participants from academia, law enforcement, and civil society, the webinar offered a deep dive into the complex interplay of identity, ideology, and digital influences fueling extremism among the region’s youth. Dr Ali Imran also participated and represented the Saint Pierre Center for International Security (SPCIS).

The webinar opened with introductory remarks from SEARCCT’s Director-General, Dato’ Ilahi Bakar, who underscored the urgency of addressing youth radicalization in Southeast Asia, a region marked by diverse cultures, rapid digitalization, and persistent extremist threats. He noted that young people, often caught between aspirational ideals and fragmented identities, are prime targets for extremist groups leveraging online platforms like Telegram, TikTok, and gaming forums. CENTINEL’s lead researcher, Dr. Nur Azlin Yasin, framed the discussion around the "age of paradox," where global connectivity amplifies both opportunity and alienation, creating fertile ground for radical ideologies.

The panel featured a diverse lineup, including Dr. Ahmad El-Muhammady, a counter-terrorism expert from the International Islamic University Malaysia; Ms. Anita Wahid, an Indonesian CVE practitioner from MAFINDO; and Mr. Jason Lee, a Singapore-based psychologist specializing in youth deradicalization. Moderated by SEARCCT’s Ms. Nor Azura Md Yusof, the session combined academic rigor with practical insights, drawing on regional case studies and real-world interventions.

The discussion centered on three core themes: the role of identity conflicts in radicalization, the impact of digital echo chambers, and innovative prevention strategies tailored to Southeast Asia’s unique socio-cultural landscape.

Dr. Ahmad El-Muhammady highlighted how youth in Southeast Asia grapple with competing identities—religious, ethnic, national, and global—amid rapid societal changes. He cited examples from Malaysia and Indonesia, where extremist groups exploit feelings of marginalization among urban and rural youth. For instance, narratives from groups like Jemaah Islamiyah frame violence as a path to reclaiming a "pure" identity, resonating with those disillusioned by economic inequality or cultural displacement. Dr. Ahmad emphasized that identity crises, exacerbated by globalization, make young people susceptible to charismatic recruiters who offer simplistic solutions to complex personal struggles.

Ms. Anita Wahid focused on the role of social media in amplifying extremist narratives, describing platforms as "paradoxical spaces" that connect yet isolate. She pointed to cases where algorithms on TikTok and YouTube inadvertently promote extremist content through engagement-driven recommendations, citing a 2024 study showing that 15% of Indonesian youth encountered radical propaganda online. Ms. Wahid stressed the need for digital literacy programs that teach critical thinking without stifling free expression, drawing on MAFINDO’s success in training youth to identify misinformation. She also warned of gaming platforms like Discord, where extremist recruiters exploit anonymity to target Gen Z.

Mr. Jason Lee underscored the pivotal role of families and communities in countering radicalization. Drawing on his work with at-risk youth in Singapore, he advocated for "hybrid interventions" that combine psychological counseling, family engagement, and community-based activities. He shared success stories of former radicals reintegrated through mentorship programs that address emotional triggers like alienation and low self-esteem. Lee also called for schools to integrate CVE into curricula, teaching students to navigate ideological paradoxes through critical dialogue rather than censorship.

Dr. Nur Azlin Yasin closed the session by urging attendees to view youth not as a problem but as a solution, emphasizing their potential to drive positive change when equipped with the right tools and support.