Pathways for Irregular Forces in Southeast Asia: Mitigating Violence with Non-State Armed Groups

This book challenges the conventional understanding of irregular forces in Southeast Asia, demonstrating that they often attract solid support from civilians and can be major contributors to the building of local security. It offers a new approach to dealing with irregular forces, exploring new theoretical frameworks that are better suited for evaluating their relationship to different security providers and the political environments in the region.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The roles of pro- and anti-government militias, private armed groups, vigilantes, and gangs in local communities in the new democracies of Southeast Asia are a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that requires careful examination. While scholars have traditionally viewed irregular forces as spoilers and infiltrators in post-conflict peacebuilding processes, this book challenges that conventional understanding by demonstrating that they often attract solid support from civilians and can be major contributors to the building of local security.

The contributors to this book analyze irregular forces' dealings with political actors at the community level, exploring why and how forces are incorporated in and collaborate with legitimate institutions without using violence against them. They offer a new approach to dealing with irregular forces in Southeast Asia, examining new theoretical frameworks that are better suited for evaluating irregular forces' relationship to different security providers and the political environments in the region.

Specifically, the book examines case studies from Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, and Thailand, providing valuable insights into the dynamics and complexities of these countries' security landscapes. This resource is a valuable tool for researchers, students, and practitioners in the areas of conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and security governance, especially those with a focus on Southeast Asia. It will also be of great interest to scholars of the sociology and anthropology of the region.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the roles of pro- and anti-government militias, private armed groups, vigilantes, and gangs in local communities in the new democracies of Southeast Asia. By challenging the conventional understanding of irregular forces and offering a new approach to dealing with them, it contributes to our understanding of the complex security dynamics in the region and offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367699574