The landscape of radicalism and terrorism is constantly shifting and evolving, presenting new challenges and complexities. Traditional notions of terrorism have changed, giving rise to emerging threats exacerbated by societal changes and the use of technology. Similarly, the scope of radicalisation has also expanded, including diversification across ideological spectrums, while elections in the United States of America, Europe, and other regions indicate a marked political shift to the right.
It is against this backdrop that the Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS) at RSIS organised the Global Security Threats workshop. Titled “Navigating Global Security Threats: Terrorism, Radicalisation, and Emerging Technologies”, the workshop was held on 25 and 26 February 2025.
Advancements in technology have also played a crucial role in this changing landscape, contributing to the rise of 3D-printed weapons and the increased use of social media and live-streaming platforms to spread harmful ideologies. Emerging technology has profoundly impacted the landscape of radicalism and terrorism, fostering stronger interconnections between local and global extremist movements. The spread of violence through gaming platforms and live-streaming services like Instagram have also added further complexity to the evolving threat landscape.
With radicalism and violent extremism continuing to be at the forefront of policy discussions and terror threats constantly evolving, the two-day workshop was held amid a growing need to engage with leading practitioners and academics in the field.
Day one focused on evolving terrorism issues and their continued impact on various countries. Day two brought together an engaging lineup that addressed global issues of radicalism and emerging threats in the realm of terrorism.
To allow participants to expand on these topics, the workshop facilitated syndicate room discussions, giving attendees more direct engagement with speakers. The insights from this workshop will be particularly valuable for Singapore, as it navigates instances of radicalism and extremism within its own society.
This workshop provided a crucial opportunity for policymakers, practitioners, and the academic community in Singapore to gain a deeper understanding of radicalisation processes and the ever-changing nature of global security threats.
