Strategic foresight remains the cornerstone of an effective security strategy. The volatile and evolving threat landscape amidst an integrated and interconnected world continues to be at the forefront of the security challenge faced by countries all over the world. These global developments have had an appreciable impact on the global security paradigm. The emanating impact from the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and Iraq, the growing uncertainty from ongoing global conflicts and the cascading effects from the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) have rendered it more urgent that governments and law enforcement agencies recalibrate efforts undertaken to mitigate the threat of terrorism and extremism, and its resulting impact on society.

Overcoming challenges to build community resilience against radical narratives and helping to reintegrate rehabilitated terrorists into mainstream society are integral components in the preservation of a cohesive and inclusive society. The approach of reintegration, through religious and social rehabilitation, allows for a multitude of communities and stakeholders to contribute in a positive and effective manner.

This 2-day East Asia Summit (EAS) Symposium, to be held on 16 – 17 April 2015, will be organised by the International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR) of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS). The Symposium will explore emergent key challenges that have impacted on the terrorism landscape, as well as on-going efforts at rehabilitation and social reintegration. Bringing together security and law enforcement officials, practitioners, psychologists, policy-makers, academics and community partners, the Symposium will cover:

•      Terrorist Threat: Strategic Issues and Growing Challenges
•      The Lure of Darkness: Recidivists and Returnees – Foreign Fighters
•      Trends, Tactics and Technology
•      Innovative Strategies to Reintegration
•      Global Aftercare Programmes: Necessity & Impact
•      Social Reintegration of Terrorist Detainees: Stakeholders , Strategies & Challenges
•      The Way Forward: Building Resilience , Reintegrating Lives

Adapting best practices adopted by different countries in their counter-radicalisation efforts, in a manner that is best suited to their social-political contexts presents an effective strategy forward. This Symposium aims to be a platform for the development of a global network of practitioners and moderate scholars to counter-radicalism and terrorism and build a more resilient global society.

For enquiries please contact:

EAS Symposium Secretariat

Jolene Jerard

[email protected]

Salim Mohamed Nasir

[email protected]