SNW Explores Jihadist Terrorism in the Indo-Pacific: Resurgence and Resilience

The Security Nexus Webinar recently featured an in-depth discussion on the evolving landscape of jihadist terrorism in the Indo-Pacific. This long-form interview, hosted by Dr. James Minnich, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, DKI APCSS professor, and editor of the forthcoming book “The Indo-Pacific Mosaic: Comprehensive Security Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,” provided a platform for a comprehensive dialogue between Dr. Minnich and his guest, Dr. Sam Mullins. Dr. Mullins, an expert in terrorism and a contributing author to the forthcoming volume, presented his research highlighting the resurgence and resilience of jihadist networks in the post-Caliphate era. The conversation delved into the complex dynamics of terrorism, offering valuable insights.

Dr. Mullins traced the evolution of jihadist terrorism in the region, starting with the rise and fall of ISIS. He emphasized how ISIS’s sophisticated online propaganda and the allure of a utopian Islamic state attracted a global following, including individuals from the Indo-Pacific. The group’s territorial defeat in 2019, while a significant blow, did not extinguish the threat. Instead, it led to a strategic shift towards South Asia, where ISIS established new “provinces” and launched targeted propaganda campaigns like the “Voice of Hind” to exploit local grievances and recruit new members.

The webinar also explored the persistence of other terrorist groups, the rise of right-wing extremism, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on counterterrorism efforts. Dr. Mullins stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to counter this threat, including sustained pressure on terrorist networks, addressing root causes of radicalization, and fostering international cooperation.

Emerging threats, such as environmentally motivated terrorism and online radicalization, were also discussed, along with the importance of balancing security measures with protecting civil liberties. The webinar concluded with a call for continued vigilance and collaboration to mitigate the risks posed by jihadist terrorism in the region.

Dr. Mullins recommended Antonio Giustozzi’s book, “The Islamic State in Khorasan: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the New Central Asian Jihad” (Hurst, 2018), as a valuable resource for further understanding this complex issue. The full webinar is available for viewing online.