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RSIS encourages a culture of collaboration and networking amongst staff. This page of ongoing research projects is continually updated with the progress of existing projects, and the launch of new ones.
This collation of ongoing projects was previously produced as hard copies, which can be accessed as PDF versions HERE.
IDSS (12)
NTS (14)
CENS (3)
CMS (1)
ICPVTR (1)
NSSP (2)
STSP (1)
SRP (7)
OTHERS (10)
CENS Participation in Global Network on Extremism & Technology (GNET)
Mr Joseph Franco Research Fellow
Mr Cameron Sumpter Research Fellow
Dr Shashi Jayakumar Senior Fellow and Head of Centre of Excellence for National Security; Executive Coordinator of Future Issues and Technology
RSIS is one of the core partners of the Global Network on Extremism & Technology (GNET). GNET is an academic research initiative backed by the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT), an independent but industry-funded initiative for better understanding, and counteracting, terrorist use of technology.
| Theme: | Terrorism Studies |
| Region: | Global |
China’s Strategy in the AI Race
Mr Phidel Marion G. Vineles Senior Analyst
Dr Tan Teck Boon Research Fellow and Coordinator of Science and Technology Studies Programme
China’s plans to become a world leader in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2030 have drawn worldwide attention. Yet, little is known about the grand strategy that will bring that goal to fruition. In that regard, it is worth examining how China plans to realise its AI ambition. This research project aims to unpack the implementation of China’s AI education at various school levels – primary, secondary, and tertiary education – to ascertain how it is central to the country’s AI push. It also aims to examine how the country’s AI education can position the Chinese economy to gain from the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
| Theme: | Country and Region Studies / International Political Economy / Regionalism and Multilateralism |
| Region: | East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Closing the Divide Between “Smart” and “Secure” Cities: Learning from the Cases of Singapore, Tokyo, Amsterdam and New York City
Dr Graham Ong-Webb Adjunct Fellow
According to the Safe Cities Index published by the Economist Intelligence Unit, only four of the world’s smartest cities of Singapore, Tokyo, Amsterdam and New York City have made it into the top ten tier for personal, infrastructure and digital security. The primary aim of this paper is to determine how these cities have been able to adequately securitise where others have yet to match up. It applies a framework used by the US Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Cyber and Infrastructure Analysis to analyse how the adoption of smart technologies may actually increase the risk profile of a smart city, to which new gaps must be identified and closed.
| Theme: | General / Singapore and Homeland Security |
| Region: | Global |
COVID-19 Pandemic and Global Governance: Implications for the Indo-Pacific
Dr Mely Caballero-Anthony Professor and Head of Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies
This paper examines the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on global security governance. It looks at the experience of ASEAN and other states in East Asia in managing COVID-19 and analyses the broader implications of this global health crisis on multilateral security cooperation and governance in Asia.
| Theme: | Non-Traditional Security |
| Region: | East Asia and Asia Pacific |
Pandemics as National Security Challenge: What are the Relevant Lessons from History?
Dr Damien D. Cheong Research Fellow and Acting Head of National Security Studies Programme
Mr Jansen Wee Research Fellow
Dr Stephanie Neubronner Research Fellow
Mr Joshua Ng Associate Research Fellow
Mr Choo Ruizhi Senior Analyst
Pandemics, expectedly, have a significant impact on a state’s social, economic and political domains, which suggest that it is a national security challenge or threat. States have dealt with pandemics in the past and their experiences contain many valuable lessons. This project will examine some of these cases to identify insights relevant for today’s context.
| Theme: | General / Singapore and Homeland Security |
| Region: | Global |
Radicalisation Studies Programme Expert Online Survey
Mr Joseph Franco Research Fellow
Mr Cameron Sumpter Research Fellow
Dr Shashi Jayakumar Senior Fellow and Head of Centre of Excellence for National Security; Executive Coordinator of Future Issues and Technology
Online survey to gauge views and opinions of current and emerging trends of violent extremism, counter-terrorism opportunities and preventing/countering violent extremism in respective regions of specialty/expertise.
| Theme: | Terrorism Studies |
| Region: | Global |
Youth Extremism in Central and Western Mindanao
Mr Joseph Franco Research Fellow
This project intends to partner with experts based in the Islamic City of Marawi and Zamboanga City to assess radicalisation among youth.
| Theme: | Terrorism Studies |
| Region: | Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Towards a Culture of Prevention in Public Health in Southeast Asia: Learning from Nuclear Safety Culture
Mr Julius Cesar Imperial Trajano Research Fellow
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that robust safety (and security) mindsets need to be adopted by countries, governments, organisations and other private actors, even individuals, in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and prevent the emergence of future pandemics. Through the years, the civilian nuclear sector has comprehensively promoted a strong nuclear safety culture and a security culture. Adoption of key principles and best practices similar to those used in the nuclear sector to embrace a strong safety culture may help any country or organisation reduce the risk of a catastrophic event such as pandemics. This project explores how nuclear safety culture and even security culture can inform and deepen the Culture of Prevention in ASEAN. It studies how best practices and policies in promoting a nuclear safety (and security) culture can be applied in public health risk mitigation measures and regulation efforts in Southeast Asia.
| Theme: | Non-Traditional Security |
| Region: | Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Examining Post-COVID19 Climate Action in Southeast Asia
Ms Margareth Sembiring Associate Research Fellow
The COVID-19 outbreak has heightened the tension between the economy and the care for the Earth. The economic downturn and resulting massive unemployment are likely to be responded with recovery measures that aim at quick results, which could mean a disregard to climate agenda. The competing priorities are inevitable due to the pervasive economic impacts that hurt virtually all sectors. In Southeast Asia, both renewable energy and the oil industries are being negatively affected. Although the idea for sustainable recovery has much practical relevance to avert the consequences of a climate crisis, the extent to which countries will choose this path over getting back to business-as-usual is not yet clear. This research project aims to trace and examine the progress of climate action in a post-COVID-19 Southeast Asia.
| Theme: | Country and Region Studies / Non-Traditional Security |
| Region: | Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
ASEAN, Peace and Security in Rakhine State, Myanmar
Dr Alistair D. B. Cook Senior Fellow and Coordinator of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Programme
Ms S. Nanthini Research Analyst
This project follows on from the previous project, “The Rakhine Crisis: UEHRD, Southeast Asian Contributions and the Search for Durable Solutions”. This project further assesses the institutional responses to the crisis including through bilateral and multilateral avenues such as ASEAN mechanisms. Using the preliminary findings in the RSIS Policy Report published as part of the previous project “Pathways for ASEAN Contributions to Sustainable Peace and Security in Rakhine State, Myanmar”, it will engage with stakeholders to explore the different pathways put forward in the report, through which they can contribute in Rakhine state and further develop ASEAN engagement in Sustainable Peace and Security in Rakhine State, Myanmar.
| Theme: | Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / Non-Traditional Security |
| Region: | Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Emerging Humanitarian Technologies and their Impact in Southeast Asia
Mr Richard Bitzinger Visiting Senior Fellow (4 November 2019 to 29 February 2020)
Mr Christopher Chen Associate Research Fellow
This project will explore how countries in Southeast Asia use new technologies – specifically, Artificial Intelligence (AI) – to support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions and strengthen existing HADR systems. It will also explore forms of cooperation in the region on this issue. This project seeks to learn more about how civil and military actors draft their respective AI, data, and cloud strategies, specifically in relation to humanitarian operations and how this impacts humanitarian thought leadership in the Indo-Pacific.
| Theme: | Country and Region Studies / Non-Traditional Security |
| Region: | Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Emerging Humanitarian Technologies and their Impact in Southeast Asia
Mr Richard Bitzinger Visiting Senior Fellow (4 November 2019 to 29 February 2020)
Mr Christopher Chen Associate Research Fellow
This project will explore how countries in Southeast Asia use new technologies – specifically, Artificial Intelligence (AI) – to support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions and strengthen existing HADR systems. It will also explore forms of cooperation in the region on this issue. This project seeks to learn more about how civil and military actors draft their respective AI, data, and cloud strategies, specifically in relation to humanitarian operations and how this impacts humanitarian thought leadership in the Indo-Pacific.
| Theme: | Country and Region Studies / Non-Traditional Security |
| Region: | Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Impact of Disaster-Conflict-Pandemic Nexus on Humanitarian Leadership in the Indo-Pacific
Dr Alistair D. B. Cook Senior Fellow and Coordinator of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Programme
Ms S. Nanthini Research Analyst
This research project aims to explore the conflict-disaster-pandemic nexus of the Rakhine state in Myanmar and Marawi in the Philippines. Based on the previously completed individual rounds of research on the humanitarian situations in Myanmar’s Rakhine state and Philippines’ Marawi, this report seeks to identify developments in HADR mechanisms in these areas that have been affected by conflict, natural disasters and well as pandemics. By assessing the HADR mechanisms in place as a result of the humanitarian situations and dynamics in these two areas, it will allow for a comparison with conditions in disaster settings to uncover the parameters and understandings of humanitarianism in Southeast Asia at local, national, regional and international levels. This project will also as assess progress made in terms of capacity to protect to protect and assist vulnerable communities in conflict-affected settings. This project will result in the production of a policy report.
| Theme: | Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / Non-Traditional Security / Regionalism and Multilateralism |
| Region: | Global / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Impact of Disaster-Conflict-Pandemic Nexus on Humanitarian Leadership in the Indo-Pacific
Dr Alistair D. B. Cook Senior Fellow and Coordinator of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Programme
Ms S. Nanthini Research Analyst
This research project aims to explore the conflict-disaster-pandemic nexus of the Rakhine state in Myanmar and Marawi in the Philippines. Based on the previously completed individual rounds of research on the humanitarian situations in Myanmar’s Rakhine state and Philippines’ Marawi, this report seeks to identify developments in HADR mechanisms in these areas that have been affected by conflict, natural disasters and well as pandemics. By assessing the HADR mechanisms in place as a result of the humanitarian situations and dynamics in these two areas, it will allow for a comparison with conditions in disaster settings to uncover the parameters and understandings of humanitarianism in Southeast Asia at local, national, regional and international levels. This project will also as assess progress made in terms of capacity to protect to protect and assist vulnerable communities in conflict-affected settings. This project will result in the production of a policy report.
| Theme: | Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / Non-Traditional Security / Regionalism and Multilateralism |
| Region: | Global / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Regional Organisations in the Indo-Pacific
Dr Alistair D. B. Cook Senior Fellow and Coordinator of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Programme
Mr Christopher Chen Associate Research Fellow
This research project intends to assess the trajectory of HADR commitments to inform the crafting of an evidence-based strategy for the region. It aims to evaluate the feasibility of political commitment to a region-wide agreement, the institutional implementability and the technical correctness needed for such a strategy or agreement. It will therefore examine the role of (i) major powers; (ii) regional organisations and multi-stakeholder partnerships that cover South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific; and (iii) community needs of those most exposed to natural hazards. The research project builds upon previous HADR research on national assessments of the five most at risk countries to natural hazards – Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Philippines and Indonesia – as well as two countries of particular interest to Southeast Asia due to their exposure and limited capacity – Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste.
| Theme: | Country and Region Studies / Non-Traditional Security |
| Region: | South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Regional Organisations in the Indo-Pacific
Dr Alistair D. B. Cook Senior Fellow and Coordinator of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Programme
Mr Christopher Chen Associate Research Fellow
This research project intends to assess the trajectory of HADR commitments to inform the crafting of an evidence-based strategy for the region. It aims to evaluate the feasibility of political commitment to a region-wide agreement, the institutional implementability and the technical correctness needed for such a strategy or agreement. It will therefore examine the role of (i) major powers; (ii) regional organisations and multi-stakeholder partnerships that cover South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific; and (iii) community needs of those most exposed to natural hazards. The research project builds upon previous HADR research on national assessments of the five most at risk countries to natural hazards – Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Philippines and Indonesia – as well as two countries of particular interest to Southeast Asia due to their exposure and limited capacity – Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste.
| Theme: | Country and Region Studies / Non-Traditional Security |
| Region: | South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
The Belt and Road Initiative, Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management in Southeast Asia
Dr Lina Gong Research Fellow
This project seeks to explore how ASEAN and its member states can benefit from the BRI in the area of humanitarian affairs and disaster management. The aim of this research is to facilitate the understanding of China’s thinking and approach to cooperation on humanitarian affairs and disaster management. It will identify the challenges and opportunities for Southeast Asian countries to use the BRI resources to support their own disaster management. Specifically, the research examines how different Chinese actors have been engaging with their Southeast Asian counterparts, particularly their disaster management agencies, military-to-military relations, private sector engagement, and NGOs. It will assess existing frameworks or arrangements to facilitate such interactions; whether and how the BRI has enhanced the cooperation; and how this shapes humanitarian thinking and priorities in the Indo-Pacific.
| Theme: | Country and Region Studies / Non-Traditional Security / Regionalism and Multilateralism |
| Region: | East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Interreligious Relations: Resources from Classical Islamic Sources
Dr Rafal Stepien Assistant Professor and Deputy Coordinator of MSc (Asian Studies) Programme
Various models of interreligious relations have been proposed in recent scholarship, including most prominently the several varieties of inclusivism, exclusivism, and pluralism. One abiding presupposition shared across these models takes the religious adherent (or community of adherents), as a unified individual (or collective of such individuals). This seemingly unproblematic assumption overlooks an important feature of the certain prominent strains of religiosity which negate selfhood. This article seeks to apply such understandings of (non-)selfhood to interreligious relations, with particular focus on the theoretical elaborations of the Classical Islamic thinkers Abū Yazīd al-Bisṭamī (c. 804 – 874 CE), Abū l-Qāsem al-Junayd (830 – 910 CE), ʿAbd al-Karīm ibn Hawāzin al-Qushayrī (c. 986 – 1074 CE), Farīd al-Dīn ʿAṭṭār Nayshābūrī (c. 1142 – c. 1221 CE) and, Muḥyiddīn Ibn ʿArabī (1165 – 1240 CE).
| Theme: | General / Non-Traditional Security / Religion in Contemporary Society |
| Region: | Global |
Shadow Realism in the India-China Strategic Rivalry
Dr Rajesh Basrur Visiting Professor
India and China are caught between competitive “structural” pressures and high levels of interdependence produced by the possession of nuclear weapons. The former engenders a tendency to act as if military power is a usable commodity, while the latter constrains its actual usability. The outcome is a “shadow” realist form of strategic behaviour that is the result of uncertainty, the ideational structure of ingrained realist thinking, strategic habit, and forms of symbolic behaviour – all of which overlap. Realism helps explain the security-driven aspects of strategic behaviour, but not the severe constraints on it. Liberalism helps explain the influence of strategic interdependence, but not the persistence of high levels of competition. Constructivism helps bridge the gap. It explains the persistence of an ideational structure – shadow realism – of realist-oriented strategic thinking and action in an increasingly post-realist setting.
| Theme: | International Politics and Security |
| Region: | East Asia and Asia Pacific / Global / South Asia |
The Colonial Wars of Southeast Asia 1800-1900
Dr Farish (Badrol Hisham)Ahmad-Noor Associate Professor and Coordinator of PhD Programme
Dr Peter Carey Professor, Oxford University
This project is on an edited book that looks at the colonial Wars of Southeast Asia in the 19th century. It aims to fill a gap in the historical research on Southeast Asia in that period, as we explore the dimension of racial differences and race relations in the context of colonial conflict. Co-edited with Prof Peter Brian Carey (Trinity College, Oxford University), the book will be published in 2021 by Amsterdam University Press.
| Theme: | Country and Region Studies / General |
| Region: | Europe / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Buddhist Literature & Philosophy: Intersections for the Contemporary World
Dr Rafal Stepien Assistant Professor and Deputy Coordinator of MSc (Asian Studies) Programme
This intensely inter-disciplinary and cross-cultural research project stands at the cutting edge of critically-aware scholarship on religion. It deliberately works across and against the boundaries separating three mainstays of humanistic pursuit – literature, philosophy, and religion – by exploring the multiple relationships at play between content and form in works drawn from a truly diverse range of philosophical schools, literary genres, religious cultures, and historical eras. With contributions by a dozen leading scholars, this project studies works of philosophy and literature composed over some two millennia across the classical and contemporary Buddhist worlds of India, Tibet, China, Japan, Korea, and North America. The implications of Buddhist conceptions of and among literature, philosophy, and religion for the contemporary world are explicitly explored.
| Theme: | Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / General / Non-Traditional Security / Religion in Contemporary Society |
| Region: | Global |
Indonesia as an Awkward Power: Beyond Middle but Not (Yet) Great?
Dr Sarah Teo Research Fellow
This chapter examines the status of Indonesia as an “awkward power” in global and regional affairs, focusing in particular on the developments under the Joko Widodo government (2014-present). I argue that despite possessing an economic size close to those of quintessential middle powers, and being acknowledged as a middle power by others, the Widodo administration has increasingly viewed Indonesia as a big power rather than a middle power, and adopted a diplomacy that befits its rising international profile. Despite seeking to position itself as more than a middle power, however, Indonesia has thus far fallen short in achieving big power status. I will support my argument by examining two case studies, specifically Indonesia’s approach towards the nascent Indo-Pacific formulation of the region, and its promotion of democracy in Southeast Asia and beyond.
| Theme: | International Politics and Security |
| Region: | Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Political Islam, Ideology, and Violence
Dr Mohamed Bin Ali Assistant Professor
Mr Muhammad Haziq Bin Jani Senior Analyst
Responses towards violent Islamist ideologies have largely focussed on particular groups – whether Wahhabi, Salafi or Ikhwani – depending on the prominence of their discourse among violent groups or individuals. This research project focusses on the historical contexts of the various beliefs, doctrines and concepts found in the ideology of violent Islamist groups, with a view of how Islamism – a modern political ideology – could manifest beyond the stereotype of a violent terrorist group or reformist political movement.
| Theme: | General / Religion in Contemporary Society / Terrorism Studies |
| Region: | Global / Middle East and North Africa (MENA) / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Religious Hatred: Prejudice, Anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia in Global Perspective
Dr Paul Hedges Associate Professor
Hate speech and violence associated with prejudice towards both Jews and Muslims appears to be on the rise in many parts of the globe. But what drivers are behind this, what links these forms of hatred, and how far is religion a factor in such hatred? Providing both historical, conceptual, and analytic perspectives, this project will explore the forms and practice of prejudice and violence enacted against Jews, Muslims, and others throughout history, with a particular focus on Anti-Semitic and Islamophobic prejudice. Various papers and articles are envisaged as outputs, but the main output will be a book currently under contract with Bloomsbury Academic and due in 2021. There is also a plan to develop an undergraduate course in this region in cooperation with CoHASS.
| Theme: | Religion in Contemporary Society / Singapore and Homeland Security / Terrorism Studies |
| Region: | Americas / Europe / Global / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Countering Islamic State Ideology: Voices of Singapore Religious Scholars – An Edited Volume
Dr Rohan Gunaratna Professor of Security Studies
Dr Muhammad Haniff Hassan Research Fellow
This volume is about countering IS warped ideology and propaganda based on misinterpretation and misapplication of Islamic intellectual tradition for the purpose of mobilising young impressionable Muslims from all over the world.
The volume seeks to demonstrate how IS ideology and propaganda is theologically misguided by offering the correct and authoritative understanding of Islam.
The volume compiles various articles that focus on refuting specific aspect of IS ideology by local Singapore Muslim clerics who have dedicated time in researching IS extremist ideology, rehabilitating local radicalised individuals and public counter-radicalisation works. The volume, thus, serves to document their efforts and voices in combating extremism among Muslims in Singapore.
The volume seeks to demonstrate how IS ideology and propaganda is theologically misguided by offering the correct and authoritative understanding of Islam.
The volume compiles various articles that focus on refuting specific aspect of IS ideology by local Singapore Muslim clerics who have dedicated time in researching IS extremist ideology, rehabilitating local radicalised individuals and public counter-radicalisation works. The volume, thus, serves to document their efforts and voices in combating extremism among Muslims in Singapore.
| Theme: | Singapore and Homeland Security / Terrorism Studies |
| Region: | Global / South Asia |
Countering Islamic State Ideology: Voices of Singapore Religious Scholars – An Edited Volume
Dr Rohan Gunaratna Professor of Security Studies
Dr Muhammad Haniff Hassan Research Fellow
This volume is about countering IS warped ideology and propaganda based on misinterpretation and misapplication of Islamic intellectual tradition for the purpose of mobilising young impressionable Muslims from all over the world.
The volume seeks to demonstrate how IS ideology and propaganda is theologically misguided by offering the correct and authoritative understanding of Islam.
The volume compiles various articles that focus on refuting specific aspect of IS ideology by local Singapore Muslim clerics who have dedicated time in researching IS extremist ideology, rehabilitating local radicalised individuals and public counter-radicalisation works. The volume, thus, serves to document their efforts and voices in combating extremism among Muslims in Singapore.
The volume seeks to demonstrate how IS ideology and propaganda is theologically misguided by offering the correct and authoritative understanding of Islam.
The volume compiles various articles that focus on refuting specific aspect of IS ideology by local Singapore Muslim clerics who have dedicated time in researching IS extremist ideology, rehabilitating local radicalised individuals and public counter-radicalisation works. The volume, thus, serves to document their efforts and voices in combating extremism among Muslims in Singapore.
| Theme: | Singapore and Homeland Security / Terrorism Studies |
| Region: | Global / South Asia |
Translations of the works of Burhanuddin al-Helmy
Dr Farish (Badrol Hisham)Ahmad-Noor Associate Professor and Coordinator of PhD Programme
This book project aims to translate two of the works by Dr Burhanuddin al-Helmy, (d.1969) who was a leading anti-colonial activist in Malaysia in the 1940s-1950s and also the President of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party PAS (1956-1969). For the first time, his works which have hitherto been found only in the Malay language and Jawi script will be translated into English. This work will be of interest to scholars of political Islam and Islamic movements in Asia. Brill Press (Leiden) has expressed keen interest in publishing the final manuscript/s.
| Theme: | Country and Region Studies / Religion in Contemporary Society |
| Region: | Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Understanding Islamist Extremism in Southeast Asia
Dr Kumar Ramakrishna Associate Professor and Associate Dean; Head of International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research; Research Adviser to National Security Studies Programme
This book project seeks to examine how selected individuals in four Southeast Asian countries: Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia, became radicalised into Islamist extremism. The study will first unpack the various characteristics of religious extremism, showing how it is an acute form of fundamentalism, before analysing the specific phenomenon of Islamist extremism and how it plays out in the four countries mentioned. Recommendations for coping with Islamist extremist ideology across the four countries will be the subject of the final chapter.
| Theme: | Country and Region Studies / Religion in Contemporary Society / Terrorism Studies |
| Region: | Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Understanding Islamist Extremism in Southeast Asia
Dr Kumar Ramakrishna Associate Professor and Associate Dean; Head of International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research; Research Adviser to National Security Studies Programme
This book project seeks to examine how selected individuals in four Southeast Asian countries: Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia, became radicalised into Islamist extremism. The study will first unpack the various characteristics of religious extremism, showing how it is an acute form of fundamentalism, before analysing the specific phenomenon of Islamist extremism and how it plays out in the four countries mentioned. Recommendations for coping with Islamist extremist ideology across the four countries will be the subject of the final chapter.
| Theme: | Country and Region Studies / Religion in Contemporary Society / Terrorism Studies |
| Region: | Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Chinese Liberal Thought and Diplomatic Practice
Dr Benjamin Ho Assistant Professor
This project will examine how Chinese liberal scholars (particularly those in the field of political science) seek to understand China’s national interests and the normative conduct of China’s international relations. Given that liberal scholarship is traditionally associated with values of open internationalism, globalisation and free market principles, it is generally believed that a greater affinity liberal principles would generate positive relations between China and the rest of the world (particularly the West). Hence, this project seeks to interrogate further how Chinese international relations scholarship understand liberalism. What are the similarities and differences between Chinese political conceptions of liberalism from those of the West? To what extent can liberalism be said to be a normative preference to act as a basis for the conduct of international politics? How does Chinese liberal thought seek to frame Chinese national interests vis-à-vis those of the wider world?
| Theme: | Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security |
| Region: | East Asia and Asia Pacific / Global / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Change and Continuity: Domestic Politics in Malaysia “Baru”
Mr Eugene Mark Min Hui Associate Research Fellow
Mr Prashant Waikar Senior Analyst
Ms Piya Raj Sukhani Research Analyst
This project is a study of domestic politics under the new Pakatan Harapan government. It is two-year study which aims to understand and explain the manifestations of change and continuity across three broad areas of domestic politics: (i) the system of patronage in order to identify networks of power brokers; (ii) the issues and challenges concerning governance; and (iii) the ways in which party politics in both the ruling coalition and the opposition can be expected to evolve.
| Theme: | Country and Region Studies |
| Region: | Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Humanitarian Technology: RSIS-ICRC Data Protection Project
Dr Alistair D. B. Cook Senior Fellow and Coordinator of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Programme
Mr Christopher Chen Associate Research Fellow
This project examines the field of humanitarian technology (HUMTECH) as applied to a broadly defined context of crises encompassing both natural disasters and conflict zones. This project seeks to identify the impact technology has on humanitarian responses as well as the emergent challenges of information technology, big data and technological innovations in humanitarian action. Specifically, it will explore technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Digital Identity, and Machine Learning. This project stems from a need for practitioners and researchers to learn how to engage with these new forms of technology, and to sensitise themselves to emerging avenues of information and data collection.
| Theme: | Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security / Non-Traditional Security |
| Region: | East Asia and Asia Pacific / Global / South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Humanitarian Technology: RSIS-ICRC Data Protection Project
Dr Alistair D. B. Cook Senior Fellow and Coordinator of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Programme
Mr Christopher Chen Associate Research Fellow
This project examines the field of humanitarian technology (HUMTECH) as applied to a broadly defined context of crises encompassing both natural disasters and conflict zones. This project seeks to identify the impact technology has on humanitarian responses as well as the emergent challenges of information technology, big data and technological innovations in humanitarian action. Specifically, it will explore technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Digital Identity, and Machine Learning. This project stems from a need for practitioners and researchers to learn how to engage with these new forms of technology, and to sensitise themselves to emerging avenues of information and data collection.
| Theme: | Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security / Non-Traditional Security |
| Region: | East Asia and Asia Pacific / Global / South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
The Madrasah in Asia: Networks and Contemporary Developments
Dr Farish (Badrol Hisham)Ahmad-Noor Associate Professor and Coordinator of PhD Programme
Prof Martin van Bruinessen Middle East Institute, NUS
This is a research project that connects with our earlier work on Madrasahs and their international networks across Asia. The end goal is an edited volume to be jointly edited by Profs Farish Noor and Martin van Bruinessen. The aim is to research contemporary and recent developments in modern madrasahs in South and Southeast Asia, with a view of collecting several state-of-the-art papers from a number of contributors and work towards the publication of a book by 2020.
| Theme: | Country and Region Studies / Religion in Contemporary Society |
| Region: | South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Climate Change Mitigation through CDM and REDD+ in Southeast Asia
Ms Margareth Sembiring Associate Research Fellow
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has created several mechanisms to facilitate climate change mitigation efforts in developing countries. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) were established to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy and forestry sectors respectively. This research assesses the interactions among actors involved in these initiatives in countries across Southeast Asia. It aims to examine the gaps and challenges in implementing climate mitigation solutions proposed by multilateral institutions such as the UNFCCC. It identifies best practices in optimising such solutions at the national level.
| Theme: | Non-Traditional Security |
| Region: | Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Southeast Asian Military Modernisation after the Cold War
Dr Wu Shang-Su Research Fellow
Southeast Asian military modernisation since the end of the Cold War requires an overall examination. Since convenient arms supplies and military aid flowing from the previous bipolar confrontation are generally no longer available, regional militaries have had to face the cruel reality of financial affordability, and consequently develop different practices for modernisation. As some regional militaries add new capabilities, such as submarines, some are struggling to maintain basic functions, such as airlift. This project will additionally explore trends in procurement and the impacts of new assets on existing capabilities. The period more than a quarter of century since the end of the Cold War should be sufficient for Southeast Asian countries to demonstrate certain models or patterns in their defence acquisition. Feasible scenarios based on the current geopolitical environment present a useful ground for elaborating on the integration between newly added and existing assets.
| Theme: | Country and Region Studies |
| Region: | Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Asia and the Humanitarian World
Dr Mely Caballero-Anthony Professor and Head of Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies
Dr Alistair D. B. Cook Senior Fellow and Coordinator of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Programme
Dr Lina Gong Research Fellow
Mr Julius Cesar Imperial Trajano Research Fellow
Ms Tiola Senior Analyst
Mr Keoni Indrabayu Marzuki Associate Research Fellow
Mr Christopher Chen Associate Research Fellow
Mr Angelo Trias Associate Research Fellow
This research project seeks to understand perspectives from Asia on the dynamics, limits and possibilities of humanitarian action. This is against the background of increasing contributions to global governance from the region. The research project will also assess the current status of multilateral humanitarian settings, review bilateral humanitarian cooperation and discuss the evolving role of non-traditional humanitarian actors. This project reflects on the commitments made at the World Humanitarian Summit 2016 in which stakeholders from different sectors came together to identify ways in which to reform the global humanitarian system. The follow up conference will bring together these scholars to share their perspectives and contribute them to a special edition of a journal or edited volume.
| Theme: | Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / General / International Politics and Security / Maritime Security / Non-Traditional Security / Regionalism and Multilateralism |
| Region: | East Asia and Asia Pacific / Global / South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Modi’s India and Japan: Explaining Strategic Continuity
Dr Rajesh Basrur Visiting Professor
Ms Sumitha Narayanan Kutty Associate Research Fellow
The strategic partnership between India and Japan, strengthened under Modi, demonstrates a substantial degree of continuity from preceding governments. Policy continuity and nuanced change are better understood as being shaped by both systemic factors and by domestic politics. The ongoing transition from an anarchic system to one characterised by growing complex interdependence has produced a consistently mixed pattern of strategic behavior in strategic rivalries While this accounts for a high degree of continuity, shifts in extractive capacity at the domestic level help explain a degree of change. The paper examines three dimensions of India-Japan strategic relations: the developing bilateral partnership, the somewhat weaker but still growing India-Japan-United States triangle, and the more tentative “Quad,” which includes Australia. The paper concludes that the ambiguities in India’s strategic relations with Japan are likely to persist for the foreseeable future.
| Theme: | International Politics and Security |
| Region: | South Asia |
Muslims in Plural Societies — Singaporean Muslims’ Views of Secularism as State Ideology and its Reconcilability with Islam
Ambassador Mohammad Alami Musa Head of Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies Programme
Ms Nursheila Muez Senior Analyst
a) This study aims to establish if there is a degree of cognitive dissonance between the pragmatic and religious thinking about secularism, and the existing scepticism in the Singaporean Muslim community. If they do, to identify the factors that have led to such a situation. It will also attempt to investigate the absence or extent of reconcilability (if any) between secularism with Islam in the Singapore context.
b) Face-to-face interviews have been done with a representative sample group of 37 asatizah in Singapore. An analysis is being prepared for publication.
c) A working paper with the key findings of this interview stage had been published in the Inter-Religious Relations Occasional Paper Series, a peer-reviewed journal.
d) A field survey with a sample size of 1,000 had been carried out to gauge the community’s outlook towards living as citizens in a secular state.
e) The principals of six full-time madrasah in Singapore had been interviewed regarding citizenship education.
b) Face-to-face interviews have been done with a representative sample group of 37 asatizah in Singapore. An analysis is being prepared for publication.
c) A working paper with the key findings of this interview stage had been published in the Inter-Religious Relations Occasional Paper Series, a peer-reviewed journal.
d) A field survey with a sample size of 1,000 had been carried out to gauge the community’s outlook towards living as citizens in a secular state.
e) The principals of six full-time madrasah in Singapore had been interviewed regarding citizenship education.
| Theme: | Religion in Contemporary Society |
| Region: | Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Conceptualising the Problem of Radicalisation: Contemporary Trends and Theories
Dr Paul Hedges Associate Professor
Recent research on radicalisation is pointing towards a set of pathways that may lead people towards terrorism. However, scholars such as Marc Sageman, Olivier Roy, Gilles Kepel and others are stressing different aspects as the key factor or factors. Their analyses are not necessarily contradictory, but highlight that searching for a single magic key to unlock what radicalisation is may be problematic. Indeed, even the very term radicalisation may itself not help to clarify what is at stake, if it suggests it is something other than socialisation into a specific worldview. This project seeks to pick apart and assist rethinking the current empirical and theoretical data and analysis.
| Theme: | Religion in Contemporary Society / Singapore and Homeland Security / Terrorism Studies |
| Region: | Europe / Global / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Ethnic Diversity, Political Institutions, and the Provision of Public Goods
Dr Su-Hyun Lee Assistant Professor and Coordinator of MSc (International Political Economy) Programme
Much previous research has identified ethnic diversity as one of the major factors explaining cross-national differences in economic growth and public policy outcomes. Diversity is negatively associated with various aspects of good governance, as it hinders the ability of a society to communicate on common goals and to sanction those who fail to cooperate. Then why are some countries more successful in overcoming the costs of ethnic division and providing more public goods than others? This paper argues that the relationship between diversity and public good provisions depends on domestic political institutions that shape the incentives and abilities of representative policymakers to serve broad, national constituencies. Using data on public policy outcomes and party politics in 78 countries for the period 1980-2015, the paper finds that high levels of party system nationalisation significantly mitigate the negative effects of diversity on public goods provision.
| Theme: | Country and Region Studies / General / International Political Economy |
| Region: | Global |
In Search of the Singapore Identity
Mr Han Fook Kwang Senior Fellow
This research will explore issues arising out of Singapore’s search for its identity. It will discuss what constitutes the Singapore identity, how has it changed, if any, what accounts for the change, why did the change occur, and what are the implications for the future. Singapore’s search for identity is not taking place in isolation but against a global backdrop where issues of identity are coming to the fore. In Europe and the US, there has been a resurgence of public sentiment towards stronger national identities. Brexit and the election of President Donald Trump in the US were examples of this, as is the rising strength of nationalistic, right wing parties in Europe. The research will discuss Singapore’s identity in this global context. It will also explore the issue of identity in the following areas: (i) economic identity; (ii) cultural identity; (iii) political/social identity; and (iv) international identity.
| Theme: | General / International Political Economy |
| Region: | Global / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Understanding Religion in Plural and Diverse Societies: Methodologies and Theories
Dr Paul Hedges Associate Professor
This project will look at the tools, skills, methodologies, and theories needed to understand religion in contemporary plural societies. Its primary outcome will be a textbook with California University Press. It seeks to provide an innovative and cutting-edge survey for students to understand the complexities of theoretical conceptions for engaging religion in social and political contexts. It will also focus on methods for studying and exploring religious traditions and practices.
| Theme: | Religion in Contemporary Society |
| Region: | Global |
Contributing to Food Security and Fulfilling Agriculture’s Commercial Potential through Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture in Singapore
Dr Paul Teng Professor and Adjunct Senior Fellow
Mr Jose Ma. Luis P. Montesclaros Associate Research Fellow
Singapore imports more than 90 per cent of its total food consumption, and grows some quantities of eggs, fish and vegetables. There are plans of boosting these numbers, although any initiative will need to value-add to the country’s economy and productivity. In order to be more food secure amid the limitation of space, the government has supported technologies such as vertical farming, and provided funding to help farmers upgrade practices. This study will look into the types of technologies that can be leveraged to boost farming’s productivity, and allow for greater production within the limits of space, water and labour. It will further study the enabling environment for technology, focusing on the technology-policy interface.
| Theme: | Non-Traditional Security |
| Region: | East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Assessing Gaps and Opportunities in Food Safety for Safer Food Production in ASEAN
Dr Mely Caballero-Anthony Professor and Head of Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies
Mr Jose Ma. Luis P. Montesclaros Associate Research Fellow
Dr Jorgen Schlundt Professor and Director, NTU Food Technology Centre
This project aims to examine the current threats to food safety in ASEAN and explore ways to foster and enhance collaboration on food security. This project will produce a policy-relevant paper on how ASEAN as an institution, and its member states can address the types of food-borne diseases (FBD) that have plagued the region over the years. This is to be achieved by mapping out the ASEAN institutions involved in FBD management, and identifying gaps when compared to successful FBD management systems in countries/institutions such as Denmark and the European Union. This study will be limited to the top three to four diseases related to biotic factors (such as bacteria, parasites, and viruses), identified based on World Health Organization (WHO) Data. Literature review and stakeholder interviews will be done to provide insights on the ground. This research is being done in collaboration with the newly established NTU Food Technology Centre (NAFTEC).
| Theme: | Non-Traditional Security |
| Region: | Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Science & Technology and Economic Security
Dr Christopher H. Lim Adjunct Senior Fellow
Studies would include: i) how the development of science & technology could change the economic future and security of any country and/or region; ii) strategies and/or initiatives of a country and/ or a region could alter the economic future and security of another country and/or region; iii) exploration on the potential usage of biomimicry concept on how science, technology and economic could auto-feed and change the dynamics and characteristics of each other.
| Theme: | General |
| Region: | Global |
Southeast Asia After the Cold War: Order and Regionalism
Dr Ang Cheng Guan Professor of the International History of Southeast Asia and Associate Dean of S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies; Deputy Director of Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies
This is the sequel to the earlier study (Southeast Asia and the Cold War). This book will take stock of how Southeast Asia has evolved since 1990, the changes and continuities from a contemporary international history/politics perspective. It is targeted for publication in 2019-2020, a befitting time for reflection and also for looking ahead.
| Theme: | Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / General / International Political Economy / International Politics and Security / Regionalism and Multilateralism |
| Region: | East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Mahathir, Anwar and Malaysia’s Opposition Politics: A New Beginning?
Mr Yang Razali Kassim Senior Fellow
To review the prospects for the Malaysian opposition, following the second incarceration of Anwar Ibrahim, and the “reinvention” of Mahathir as a de facto oppositionist leader. This paper will include the broader implications on Malaysian politics as a whole, taking into account whether the Malaysian opposition will evolve or remake itself in unexpected ways.
| Theme: | Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / General |
| Region: | East Asia and Asia Pacific / Global / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Mapping Regional Frameworks for Nuclear Energy Governance in the Asia Pacific
Dr Mely Caballero-Anthony Professor and Head of Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies
Mr Julius Cesar Imperial Trajano Research Fellow
The project explores pathways toward building a robust framework for nuclear energy governance in the Asia Pacific, including ASEAN. It has the following objectives: i) To look into the nuclear energy plans of East Asian/ASEAN countries, including the construction of nuclear power plants in the region, ii) To examine the regulatory frameworks on nuclear energy in ASEAN and the Asia Pacific and iii) To explore the feasibility of a “wider regional framework/blueprint for nuclear energy cooperation in the Asia Pacific”, building on some of the existing regional frameworks such as the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty, Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia, etc.
| Theme: | Cybersecurity, Biosecurity and Nuclear Safety / Energy Security / Non-Traditional Security |
| Region: | East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Future Maritime Security Environment — Policy Paper and Workshop
Ms Jane Chan Git Yin Senior Fellow and Coordinator of Maritime Security Programme, IDSS
The study will identify likely developments in the maritime security environment of Asia over the next decade, including shifts in the maritime balance of power and particular threats and challenges in the maritime domain. The study will take a comprehensive view of security, and will include issues such as the trends with international shipping, environmental protection and resource scarcity. The overall objective will be to identify the implications of these developments for the region and for Singapore. The geographical scope for the study will be the Indo-Pacific region.
| Theme: | Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / Maritime Security |
| Region: | East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
Maritime Security and Sea Lines of Communication — Research Paper
Ms Jane Chan Git Yin Senior Fellow and Coordinator of Maritime Security Programme, IDSS
Dr Collin Koh Swee Lean Research Fellow and Coordinator of United States Programme, IDSS
The programme collaborates with the Information Fusion Centre (IFC) to work on topical maritime security issues relating to Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) and chokepoints within IFC’s areas of interest. The project aims to better understand the threats and challenges in regional waters. It will consider national, regional and inter-regional maritime law enforcement capacity, best practices and cooperation.
| Theme: | Country and Region Studies / Maritime Security |
| Region: | South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
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