A Handbook of Terrorism and Insurgency in Southeast Asia

Edited by Andrew T.H. Tan, Professor, Department of Security Studies and Criminology, Macquarie University, Australia

This timely and significant book seeks to explain the deep-seated complexities of terrorism and insurgency in Southeast Asia. In the aftermath of 9/11, this region has been designated by the United States to be the ‘second front’ in the war on terrorism. Yet despite the emergence of this ‘new’ global terrorism, the authors argue that armed rebellion in Southeast Asia is a phenomenon that predates Al Qaeda and the global Jihadist movement and that much can be learned from the motivations behind it.

‘This is an important and worthwhile book that should be read by anyone seeking to understand the history and evolution of political violence in Southeast Asia, including the origins of contemporary militant Islamist terrorism.’
– Paul J. Smith, Contemporary Southeast Asia

‘This very fine collection shows how and why Southeast Asia has been afflicted with terrorism from the end of World War II to the present time. No other volume tells us as much about the period and area. Anyone interested in the general theory and practice of terrorism and insurgency will find it indispensable.’
– David C. Rapoport, University of California, Los Angeles, US and Editor of Journal of Terrorism and Political Violence

‘This stimulating collection of essays underlines how Southeast Asia has again, as at the height of the Cold War, been pushed towards the top of the list of world conflict zones by the collision between long-standing regional problems and more recent external frictions. Anyone needing to learn more about the relationship between the “war on terror” and Southeast Asia, particularly regarding “terrorism” in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, will need to consult this work.’
– Brian P. Farrell, National University of Singapore, and author of The Defence and Fall of Singapore 1940–1942

‘This book is an excellent addition to the literature on political violence in Southeast Asia providing a wealth of detail on terrorism, guerilla insurgency, and the use of terror and repression by governments. The book is especially valuable for the broad coverage of many different groups (not just Islamic ones), inclusion of the activities of governments, and a variety of opinions and views on terrorism and political violence. This book should be one of the essential resources for academics, policymakers, or anyone else interested in terrorism, insurgency, and political violence in the region. It is an extremely valuable tool for one and all.’
– James M. Lutz, Indiana University–Purdue University, US and co-author of Global Terrorism, with Brenda Lutz

‘This is an excellent volume, which is very well conceived and balanced in its treatment of the problem of terrorism and insurgency in Southeast Asia. This volume will greatly advance our empirical understanding of conflict and violence in this pivotal region. The book contains many insightful contributions and, overall, the Handbook will serve as a standard reference on the subject matter for years to come.’
– M.L.R. Smith, King’s College, University of London, UK