• Home
  • About RSIS
    • Introduction
    • Building the Foundations
    • Welcome Message
    • Board of Governors
    • Staff Profiles
      • Executive Deputy Chairman’s Office
      • Dean’s Office
      • Management
      • Distinguished Fellows
      • Faculty and Research
      • Associate Research Fellows, Senior Analysts and Research Analysts
      • Visiting Fellows
      • Adjunct Fellows
      • Administrative Staff
    • Honours and Awards for RSIS Staff and Students
    • RSIS Endowment Fund
    • Endowed Professorships
    • Career Opportunities
    • Getting to RSIS
  • Research
    • Research Centres
      • Centre for Multilateralism Studies (CMS)
      • Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre)
      • Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS)
      • Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS)
      • International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR)
    • Research Programmes
      • National Security Studies Programme (NSSP)
      • Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP) Programme
    • Future Issues and Technology Cluster
    • [email protected] Newsletter
    • Other Research
      • Science and Technology Studies Programme (STSP) (2017-2020)
  • Graduate Education
    • Graduate Programmes Office
    • Overview
    • MSc (Asian Studies)
    • MSc (International Political Economy)
    • MSc (International Relations)
    • MSc (Strategic Studies)
    • NTU-Warwick Double Masters Programme
    • PhD Programme
    • Exchange Partners and Programmes
    • How to Apply
    • Financial Assistance
    • Meet the Admissions Team: Information Sessions and other events
    • RSIS Alumni
  • Alumni & Networks
    • Alumni
    • Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior Military Officers (APPSMO)
    • Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior National Security Officers (APPSNO)
    • International Strategy Forum-Asia (ISF-Asia)
    • SRP Executive Programme
    • Terrorism Analyst Training Course (TATC)
  • Publications
    • RSIS Publications
      • Annual Reviews
      • Books
      • Bulletins and Newsletters
      • Commentaries
      • Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses
      • Commemorative / Event Reports
      • IDSS Paper
      • Interreligious Relations
      • Monographs
      • NTS Insight
      • Policy Reports
      • Working Papers
      • RSIS Publications for the Year
    • Glossary of Abbreviations
    • External Publications
      • Authored Books
      • Journal Articles
      • Edited Books
      • Chapters in Edited Books
      • Policy Reports
      • Working Papers
      • Op-Eds
      • External Publications for the Year
    • Policy-relevant Articles Given RSIS Award
  • Media
    • Great Powers
    • Sustainable Security
    • Other Resource Pages
    • Media Highlights
    • News Releases
    • Speeches
    • Vidcast Channel
    • Audio/Video Forums
  • Events
  • Giving
  • Contact Us
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
RSISVideoCast RSISVideoCast rsis.sg
Linkedin
instagram instagram rsis.sg
RSS
  • Home
  • About RSIS
      • Introduction
      • Building the Foundations
      • Welcome Message
      • Board of Governors
      • Staff Profiles
        • Executive Deputy Chairman’s Office
        • Dean’s Office
        • Management
        • Distinguished Fellows
        • Faculty and Research
        • Associate Research Fellows, Senior Analysts and Research Analysts
        • Visiting Fellows
        • Adjunct Fellows
        • Administrative Staff
      • Honours and Awards for RSIS Staff and Students
      • RSIS Endowment Fund
      • Endowed Professorships
      • Career Opportunities
      • Getting to RSIS
  • Research
      • Research Centres
        • Centre for Multilateralism Studies (CMS)
        • Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre)
        • Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS)
        • Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS)
        • International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR)
      • Research Programmes
        • National Security Studies Programme (NSSP)
        • Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP) Programme
      • Future Issues and Technology Cluster
      • [email protected] Newsletter
      • Other Research
        • Science and Technology Studies Programme (STSP) (2017-2020)
  • Graduate Education
      • Graduate Programmes Office
      • Overview
      • MSc (Asian Studies)
      • MSc (International Political Economy)
      • MSc (International Relations)
      • MSc (Strategic Studies)
      • NTU-Warwick Double Masters Programme
      • PhD Programme
      • Exchange Partners and Programmes
      • How to Apply
      • Financial Assistance
      • Meet the Admissions Team: Information Sessions and other events
      • RSIS Alumni
  • Alumni & Networks
      • Alumni
      • Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior Military Officers (APPSMO)
      • Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior National Security Officers (APPSNO)
      • International Strategy Forum-Asia (ISF-Asia)
      • SRP Executive Programme
      • Terrorism Analyst Training Course (TATC)
  • Publications
      • RSIS Publications
        • Annual Reviews
        • Books
        • Bulletins and Newsletters
        • Commentaries
        • Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses
        • Commemorative / Event Reports
        • IDSS Paper
        • Interreligious Relations
        • Monographs
        • NTS Insight
        • Policy Reports
        • Working Papers
        • RSIS Publications for the Year
      • Glossary of Abbreviations
      • External Publications
        • Authored Books
        • Journal Articles
        • Edited Books
        • Chapters in Edited Books
        • Policy Reports
        • Working Papers
        • Op-Eds
        • External Publications for the Year
      • Policy-relevant Articles Given RSIS Award
  • Media
      • Great Powers
      • Sustainable Security
      • Other Resource Pages
      • Media Highlights
      • News Releases
      • Speeches
      • Vidcast Channel
      • Audio/Video Forums
  • Events
  • Giving
  • Contact Us
  • instagram instagram rsis.sg
Connect

Getting to RSIS

Map

Address

Nanyang Technological University
Block S4, Level B3,
50 Nanyang Avenue,
Singapore 639798

View location on Google maps Click here for directions to RSIS

Get in Touch

    Connect with Us

      rsis.ntu
      rsis_ntu
      rsisntu
    RSISVideoCast RSISVideoCast rsisvideocast
      school/rsis-ntu
    instagram instagram rsis.sg
      RSS
    Subscribe to RSIS Publications
    Subscribe to RSIS Events

    RSIS Intranet

    S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Think Tank and Graduate School Ponder The Improbable Since 1966
    Nanyang Technological University Nanyang Technological University

    Skip to content

     
    • RSIS
    • Publication
    • RSIS Publications
    • Rise of Violent Christian Extremism: Whither Inter-Religious Ties?
    • Annual Reviews
    • Books
    • Bulletins and Newsletters
    • Commentaries
    • Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses
    • Commemorative / Event Reports
    • IDSS Paper
    • Interreligious Relations
    • Monographs
    • NTS Insight
    • Policy Reports
    • Working Papers
    • RSIS Publications for the Year

    CO21027 | Rise of Violent Christian Extremism: Whither Inter-Religious Ties?
    Paul Hedges

    11 February 2021

    download pdf
    RSIS Commentary is a platform to provide timely and, where appropriate, policy-relevant commentary and analysis of topical and contemporary issues. The authors’ views are their own and do not represent the official position of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), NTU. These commentaries may be reproduced with prior permission from RSIS and due credit to the author(s) and RSIS. Please email to Editor RSIS Commentary at [email protected].

    SYNOPSIS

    The case of a self-radicalised Christian youth planning to attack two mosques in Singapore highlights the global nature of an extremist threat that may manifest as ethno-religious supremacism or as faith-driven. How will this affect inter-religious relations?

    COMMENTARY

    THE 16-YEAR old youth recently detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) is the first far-right Christian extremist detained in Singapore. The planned attack on a mosque and self-radicalisation of a Christian are not entirely unexpected. The threat of what is often loosely termed the “far-right” is a global one, and this Singapore example of an ethnic Indian Protestant Christian shows that it extends beyond what might be seen as a “white” agenda. As Singapore (and ASEAN) considers its CVE (countering violent extremism) strategy, it needs to be aware that this goes beyond the threat posed by militant jihadism.

    While the inspiration for this youth seems to have been the Christchurch attack of 2019, with the catalyst being an attack in France last year, there are multiple sources of far-right anti-Muslim sentiment within the South and Southeast Asian context. As such, “white” far-right extremism, including claimed Christian identity, is just one factor in the potential for such violence. While diffuse, “far-right” as a marker is often used widely to refer to diverse groups, ranging from White supremacists to the ethno-religious Buddhist, Hindu and also violent Christian extremists.

    Anti-Muslim Resentment

    To mention some examples, the ISIS-inspired attack in Sri Lanka in 2019 has further stirred existing Buddhist animosity towards Muslims – who have been scapegoated by militant Buddhist extremists in the aftermath of the civil war against the Tamil minority. This in turn created distrust amongst Christians too, who previously often found common ground with Muslims.

    In Myanmar and Thailand, particular vectors have seen prejudice stoked against Muslims. Again, in India, far-right militant Hindu extremists have come to view Muslims as their most potent enemy.

    Different far-right Islamophobic groups are also working together. The Hindu militant far-right, for instance, has been developing ties to far-right networks in Europe and America, and has a heritage in Italian fascism.

    In media representations, Muslims tend to be portrayed, often sweepingly and unthinkingly, as those most likely to be involved in terrorism and violence. In truth, many innocent Muslims are the victims of attacks both by militant  jihadis and far-right violent extremist groups from the other faith communities, be they Buddhist (as seen in Myanmar and Sri Lanka), Hindu (in India) and Christian in Europe, the United States, and New Zealand.

    Examples of such violence extends from direct killings such as the Christchurch attack to violence against individual Muslims in terms of beatings and assault, and prejudicial policies such as then US President Donald Trump’s ban of travel from predominantly Muslim countries. Therefore, some argue, Muslims are the group who suffer most from global terror attacks.

    The Far-Right Threat and Global Terrorism

    Far too often, CVE has been disproportionately aimed at Muslims, with the threat of the far-right ignored. In what we may broadly term Western nations, various events – from the Christchurch attack, to the storming of the US Capitol, and the murder of a British parliamentarian – have made the threat of far-right violent extremism more obvious and part of both the media, political, and security services agenda.

    That Singapore picked up this individual at the planning stage is fully to its credit. It recognised that an Indian Protestant Christian inspired by the far-right could be just as much a threat as somebody profiled as a “Muslim”. Gearing CVE policing to more directly focus on the far-right needs to happen, and globally this does seem to be the direction of such policies which is good. The threat is global.

    The media also play a key role in how they speak. While there are dangers of stoking fear, an acknowledgement of use of the term “terrorism” to describe attacks committed by the far-right is needed. Social media and Internet companies, as well as traditional media, also play a key role in what is allowed on their sites and in the level of vetting of content that takes place.

    Looking Ahead: Role of Religious Communities

    Singapore’s Home Affairs & Law Minister K. Shanmugam is right to suggest that religious buildings should not become “fortresses”. To some extent, the securitisation of buildings and societies means terrorists have succeeded in instilling fear.

    Religious communities must also speak together, and in Singapore Muslims and Christians were side-by-side condemning the action of the 16-year-old Christian youth. This display of unity is important in countering enmity narratives. In a UK case study, a 2010 planned march through the London borough of Tower Hamlets by the English Defence League left many Muslim youths afraid that “the Christians are coming to get us”.

    But an interfaith counter response that saw local Christian priests on stage with Muslim leaders speaking against this march helped local Muslims realise that this was not the case. Symbolic displays of unity can be key, more so than statements or speeches from one side. Plans for joint action by religious communities to tackle online radicalisation and extremism is also to be welcomed.

    Singapore is also to be commended for subjecting the individual detained to counselling, both religious and psychological. In many places radicalisation in jail is a problem, with examples of radicalised inmates influencing others and even hunkering down further into such worldviews. Moreover, the only long-term solution is through rehabilitation, which will involve in such cases religious narratives.

    While Singapore has got much right in its response to this case, it has made very real the long-posited global threat – including in this part of the world – from far-right terrorist actors, including those of the ethno-religious kind. While the Christian youth is a lone wolf, and caught before acting, the possibility for inspiring copycat acts must not be overlooked.

    Moreover, both mainstream populist political actors and extremist ideologues continue to see traction in spreading prejudiced Islamophobic narratives. The very real possibility that this is not a one-off event must therefore be taken seriously.

    About the Author

    Paul Hedges PhD is Associate Professor in Interreligious Studies for the Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP) Programme, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.

    Categories: Commentaries / Country and Region Studies / Singapore and Homeland Security / Terrorism Studies / East Asia and Asia Pacific / Europe / Global / Middle East and North Africa (MENA) / South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN

    Last updated on 15/02/2021

    comments powered by Disqus
    RSIS Commentary is a platform to provide timely and, where appropriate, policy-relevant commentary and analysis of topical and contemporary issues. The authors’ views are their own and do not represent the official position of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), NTU. These commentaries may be reproduced with prior permission from RSIS and due credit to the author(s) and RSIS. Please email to Editor RSIS Commentary at [email protected].

    SYNOPSIS

    The case of a self-radicalised Christian youth planning to attack two mosques in Singapore highlights the global nature of an extremist threat that may manifest as ethno-religious supremacism or as faith-driven. How will this affect inter-religious relations?

    COMMENTARY

    THE 16-YEAR old youth recently detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) is the first far-right Christian extremist detained in Singapore. The planned attack on a mosque and self-radicalisation of a Christian are not entirely unexpected. The threat of what is often loosely termed the “far-right” is a global one, and this Singapore example of an ethnic Indian Protestant Christian shows that it extends beyond what might be seen as a “white” agenda. As Singapore (and ASEAN) considers its CVE (countering violent extremism) strategy, it needs to be aware that this goes beyond the threat posed by militant jihadism.

    While the inspiration for this youth seems to have been the Christchurch attack of 2019, with the catalyst being an attack in France last year, there are multiple sources of far-right anti-Muslim sentiment within the South and Southeast Asian context. As such, “white” far-right extremism, including claimed Christian identity, is just one factor in the potential for such violence. While diffuse, “far-right” as a marker is often used widely to refer to diverse groups, ranging from White supremacists to the ethno-religious Buddhist, Hindu and also violent Christian extremists.

    Anti-Muslim Resentment

    To mention some examples, the ISIS-inspired attack in Sri Lanka in 2019 has further stirred existing Buddhist animosity towards Muslims – who have been scapegoated by militant Buddhist extremists in the aftermath of the civil war against the Tamil minority. This in turn created distrust amongst Christians too, who previously often found common ground with Muslims.

    In Myanmar and Thailand, particular vectors have seen prejudice stoked against Muslims. Again, in India, far-right militant Hindu extremists have come to view Muslims as their most potent enemy.

    Different far-right Islamophobic groups are also working together. The Hindu militant far-right, for instance, has been developing ties to far-right networks in Europe and America, and has a heritage in Italian fascism.

    In media representations, Muslims tend to be portrayed, often sweepingly and unthinkingly, as those most likely to be involved in terrorism and violence. In truth, many innocent Muslims are the victims of attacks both by militant  jihadis and far-right violent extremist groups from the other faith communities, be they Buddhist (as seen in Myanmar and Sri Lanka), Hindu (in India) and Christian in Europe, the United States, and New Zealand.

    Examples of such violence extends from direct killings such as the Christchurch attack to violence against individual Muslims in terms of beatings and assault, and prejudicial policies such as then US President Donald Trump’s ban of travel from predominantly Muslim countries. Therefore, some argue, Muslims are the group who suffer most from global terror attacks.

    The Far-Right Threat and Global Terrorism

    Far too often, CVE has been disproportionately aimed at Muslims, with the threat of the far-right ignored. In what we may broadly term Western nations, various events – from the Christchurch attack, to the storming of the US Capitol, and the murder of a British parliamentarian – have made the threat of far-right violent extremism more obvious and part of both the media, political, and security services agenda.

    That Singapore picked up this individual at the planning stage is fully to its credit. It recognised that an Indian Protestant Christian inspired by the far-right could be just as much a threat as somebody profiled as a “Muslim”. Gearing CVE policing to more directly focus on the far-right needs to happen, and globally this does seem to be the direction of such policies which is good. The threat is global.

    The media also play a key role in how they speak. While there are dangers of stoking fear, an acknowledgement of use of the term “terrorism” to describe attacks committed by the far-right is needed. Social media and Internet companies, as well as traditional media, also play a key role in what is allowed on their sites and in the level of vetting of content that takes place.

    Looking Ahead: Role of Religious Communities

    Singapore’s Home Affairs & Law Minister K. Shanmugam is right to suggest that religious buildings should not become “fortresses”. To some extent, the securitisation of buildings and societies means terrorists have succeeded in instilling fear.

    Religious communities must also speak together, and in Singapore Muslims and Christians were side-by-side condemning the action of the 16-year-old Christian youth. This display of unity is important in countering enmity narratives. In a UK case study, a 2010 planned march through the London borough of Tower Hamlets by the English Defence League left many Muslim youths afraid that “the Christians are coming to get us”.

    But an interfaith counter response that saw local Christian priests on stage with Muslim leaders speaking against this march helped local Muslims realise that this was not the case. Symbolic displays of unity can be key, more so than statements or speeches from one side. Plans for joint action by religious communities to tackle online radicalisation and extremism is also to be welcomed.

    Singapore is also to be commended for subjecting the individual detained to counselling, both religious and psychological. In many places radicalisation in jail is a problem, with examples of radicalised inmates influencing others and even hunkering down further into such worldviews. Moreover, the only long-term solution is through rehabilitation, which will involve in such cases religious narratives.

    While Singapore has got much right in its response to this case, it has made very real the long-posited global threat – including in this part of the world – from far-right terrorist actors, including those of the ethno-religious kind. While the Christian youth is a lone wolf, and caught before acting, the possibility for inspiring copycat acts must not be overlooked.

    Moreover, both mainstream populist political actors and extremist ideologues continue to see traction in spreading prejudiced Islamophobic narratives. The very real possibility that this is not a one-off event must therefore be taken seriously.

    About the Author

    Paul Hedges PhD is Associate Professor in Interreligious Studies for the Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP) Programme, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.

    Categories: Commentaries / Country and Region Studies / Singapore and Homeland Security / Terrorism Studies

    Last updated on 15/02/2021

    Back to top

    Terms of Use | Privacy Statement
    Copyright © S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. All rights reserved.
    This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. By continuing, you are agreeing to the use of cookies on your device as described in our privacy policy. Learn more
    OK
    Latest Book
    Rise of Violent Christian Extremism: Whither Inter-Religious Ties?

    SYNOPSIS

    The case of a self-radicalised Christian youth planning to attack two mosques in Singapore highlights the global nature of an extremist threat that ...
    more info