Drawing upon insights from the natural and social sciences, this book puts forth a provocative new argument that the violent Islamist threat in Indonesia today derives its stubborn resilience from being in essence a complex, adaptive and self-organizing system - or what some specialists might even call a super-organism.
Focusing on the motivations behind violent jihad, this book delves into the phenomenon within Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation. It examines the historical context of terrorism, including the notorious Bali nightclub bombing in 2002 and ongoing threats from radicalized groups. Authored by a leading counter-terrorism expert in Southeast Asia, it presents fresh insights into the roots of Muslim radicalization and strategies for combating this persistent issue.
The book delves into the contentious narrative surrounding Operation Coldstore, a pivotal event in Singapore's history, which targeted Communist elements in 1963. It counters revisionist historians who argue that the operation was politically motivated and harmed legitimate opposition, particularly represented by Lim Chin Siong. By utilizing declassified and previously classified sources, the author defends the operation's significance in establishing stability and facilitating Singapore's rapid transformation from a Third World to a First World nation.
Focusing on the Emergency years from 1955 to 1958, this study reveals how British propaganda played a crucial role in concluding the shooting war in December 1958. It expands the definition of 'propaganda' to include not only verbal communications like films and leaflets but also actions taken during this period, highlighting the impact of both messages and deeds in shaping historical outcomes.
The Power of the Manichean Mindset
The book presents a groundbreaking analysis of the Islamist threat in Indonesia, positing it as a complex, adaptive system rather than a mere ideological movement. It explores the resilience of militant groups, which continue to emerge despite extensive security efforts, likening them to a super-organism with interconnectedness. By challenging traditional views on radicalization, it advocates for interdisciplinary approaches to effectively address the evolving nature of violent extremism in the region, making it essential reading for scholars of terrorism and religion in Southeast Asia.