The inaugural RSIS Regional Terrorism Research Exchange (RTRX) is an initiative by the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR), a constituent unit of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS). The exchange aims to bring together and provide a credible research-sharing platform for young or newly established analysts and scholars who are working on terrorism and violent extremism research.

The theme for the 2025 Symposium is “Terrorism in Transition: New Challenges in a Declining Threat Environment”, reflecting the shifting dynamics of terrorism in Southeast Asia, characterised by a general decline in physical terrorist threats. Recent developments, such as the disbandment of Jemaah Islamiyah in Indonesia and the unprecedented surrenders of terrorists in the Philippines—culminating in the declaration of “Abu Sayyaf-free” zones in Sulu and parts of Basilan—highlight a region in transition. And yet, it is still too early to say that the threat has been dealt a deathly blow due to the persistent threat arising from online radicalisation, self-radicalised individuals and the creeping influence of far-right extremist ideology into parts of regional communities. Against this background, this conference encourages analysts and scholars to explore emerging, dimensions of terrorism in Southeast Asia. These may include the challenges of repatriating Southeast Asian foreign fighters, the reintegration of incarcerated terrorists into society, terrorist infiltration into mainstream organisations or politics, technology-extremism nexus, and others.

The theme, “Terrorism in Transition: New Challenges in a Declining Threat Environment” is intentionally broad, encouraging creative interpretations to attract diverse research interests. By fostering multidisciplinary discussions and innovative approaches, the symposium aspires to advance the academic understanding of terrorism while informing policy and practice in the region.