Research at RSIS · 3/4/2016 · ability to wage war in their transnationalised environment from...

Research at RSISIssue 4 - March 2016

Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS)

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War in the Global Village: Transnational Challenges and the Struggle for Freedom of Action

Dr Pascal Vennesson Professor

theme International Politics and Security region Global entity IDSS

“This book project is about the effects of trans-national relations on the character of war. It is a study of state and non-state actors’ changing ability to wage war in their transnationalised environment from the early 1990s until the first decade of the 21st century. I explore why and how military prowess is affected by a global milieu re-fracted by a number of transnational actors, ideas and practices that apparently have little to do with force traditionally understood. Why and how does war-making change – if at all – under the influence of its transnational environment? Why and how do transnational actors and ideas shape or alter political leaders and strategic planners’ freedom of action?”

01/01/2011

Multi-year

Maritime Security and Sea Lines ofCommunication — Research Paper

Ms Jane Chan Research Fellow and Coordinator of the Maritime Security ProgrammeMr Collin Koh Associate Research Fellow

theme Country and Region Studies / Maritime Security region South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEANentity IDSS

“The programme collaborates with the Information Fusion Centre (IFC) to work on topical maritime security issues relating to Sea Lines of Communi-cation (SLOC) and chokepoints within IFC 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.”

01/04/2012

Multi-year

Future Maritime Security Environment — Policy Paper and Workshop

Dr Sam Bateman Senior Fellow and Adviser to the Maritime Security ProgrammeMs Jane Chan Research Fellow and Coordinator of the Maritime Security Programme

theme Country and Region Studies / Maritime Security / Conflict and Stabilityregion East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN / Indian Ocean Regionentity 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 in-clude 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.”

01/04/2014

Multi-year

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Japanese Security Policy: Military Crises, Threat Inflation and Security Policy Development

Dr Bhubhindar Singh Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Regional Security Architecture Programme

theme Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security / Maritime Security region East Asia and Asia entity IDSS

“One of the most critical changes to Japan’s post-Cold War security policy has been the incorporation of the Japanese military, known as the Self-Defence Force (SDF), as a legitimate and important tool in its security policy practice. It has developed new roles both outside and within the U.S.-Japan alliance to contribute to regional/international security. The question is how has the Japanese security policymaking elite been able to bring about this critical change to the security policy practice in light of the domestic social and legal constraints that have traditionally prevented the expansion of Japan’s security role, in military terms, in regional and international affairs. This research introduces external military crises as a critical cause of this change in Japanese security policy. It argues that the security policymaking elite constructed or inflated elements of threat from an external military crisis as directly affecting both the international environment and Japan’s national security. This process allowed the securi-ty policymaking elite to circumvent the social and legal limitations and fulfil its role of a responsible and engaged actor in regional/international securi-ty. This study will focus on all military crises faced by Japan in the post-Cold War period.”

01/06/2014

162 weeks

From Subic Bay to Changi: Understanding the Relocation of United States’ Forces from the Philippines to Singapore (1991-92)

Dr Daniel Chua Wei Boon Research Fellow

theme International Politics and Securityregion Southeast Asia and ASEANentity IDSS

“This is a historical research that examines the political and strategic considerations behind the closure of American bases in Subic Bay, the Philippines (1992), and the subsequent estab-lishment of COMLOG WESTPAC in Singapore. By studying declassified diplomatic documents from archives in the U.S., Australia, Singapore and the Philippines, as well as interviewing former diplomats, this project attempts to provide deep-er understanding of the principles and thinking behind decisions made by the three governments in relation to the episode.”

01/01/2015

96 weeks

U.S. Military Withdrawal and Philippine Decolonisation, 1991-1992

Dr Daniel Chua Wei Boon Research Fellow

theme Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security region East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity IDSS

“This project studies the events leading to the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the Philippines in 1991-1992. Adopting a historical approach, this research aims to produce an analysis where themes such as U.S. alliances in the Asia Pacific, decolonisation and the ending of the Cold War intersect.”

01/01/2015

96 weeks

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India and the Major Powers

Dr Rajesh Basrur Professor and Coordinator of the South Asia Programme

theme Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security region South Asiaentity IDSS

“The rise of Narendra Modi is widely held to repre-sent the triumph of the Hindu right. However, this paper argues that there is no specifically Hindu content in Modi’s foreign policy toward the major powers. More broadly, the paper argues that the degree of difference between Modi’s government and the preceding regime under Manmohan Singh is marginal. This paper is part of a project on “India under Narendra Modi” organised by the University of Oxford and Boston University.”

27/01/2015

104 weeks

Asian Navy Watch — Research Paper and Workshop

Prof Geoffrey Till Visiting ProfessorMr Collin Koh Associate Research Fellow

theme Country and Region Studies / Maritime Security region East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEANentity IDSS

“This project is a continuation of a multi-year project that studies naval modernisation and its consequences in Southeast Asia. It is currently fo-cusing on ‘Problems and Prospects of Submarine Acquisition in the Region’.”

01/04/2015

52 weeks

The Future of the ADMM/ADMM-Plus and Defence Diplomacy in the Asia Pacific

Dr Bhubhindar Singh Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Regional Security Architecture ProgrammeMr Henrick Z. Tsjeng Associate Research Fellow

theme International Politics and Security / Regionalism and Multilateralism region East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity IDSS

“With the 10th anniversary of the ADMM in 2016, the Regional Security Architecture Programme at RSIS is conducting a study on the evolution and future of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus processes. The objective of this project is to examine views on regional defence cooperation, and to envision the next phase of ADMM and ADMM-Plus co-operation. Specifically, this research project will provide perspectives and ideas on: (i) the roles of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus amidst geostrategic trends in the region and the current status of re-gional defence cooperation; (ii) the importance of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus in the defence strat-egies of regional countries and how these views have evolved since the inception of the forums; (iii) the strengths of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus, as well as challenges facing cooperation in the two forums; and (iv) the future direction and areas for defence cooperation in the region.”

01/04/2015

104 weeks

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MIRVing India’s Missiles?


theme Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Securityregion South Asiaentity IDSS

“This paper engages with the Indian strategic elite’s motivation for MIRVing nuclear-armed mis-siles. It shows that elite perceptions are unclear, dominated by a technical imperative, and uncer-tainty about the probable impact of MIRVing. The paper is being co-authored with Jaganath San-karan for the Henry L. Stimson Center, Washing-ton, D.C.”

06/05/2015

78 weeks

Rising India: Status and Power


theme Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security region South Asiaentity IDSS

“This monograph examines India’s quest for status as a distinctive aspiration that sometimes overlaps with its security objectives, but is in important respects, separate from it. In a more general framework, it provides a framework for analysing the linkages between status and power relevant to all states.”

01/06/2015

104 weeks

The Hedging Prong in India’s Evolving China Strategy

Dr Hoo Tiang Boon Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the MSc (Asian Studies) Programme

theme Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security region East Asia and Asia Pacific / South Asia entity IDSS

“This study addresses Sino-Indian relations from the alternative and under-engaged lenses of hedging, as opposed to the more conventional balancing and bandwagoning dichotomy. It analy-ses why and how, despite the general stable state of and progress in Sino-Indian relations, Delhi has pursued a hedging strategy against China. Under the present Modi administration, India has not deviated markedly from its traditionally prudent foreign policy approach towards China. Yet, there have been discernible changes and arguably, the main departure from the previous government’s policy is a matter of degree: a more consolidated hedging component combined with a more robust engagement policy towards China. Like several countries in the Indo-Pacific confronted with the rise of China, India remains strategically ambiva-lent about China. This study is forthcoming in the Journal of Contemporary China.”

01/06/2015

52 weeks

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Regional Security Strategies of Middle Powers in the Asia Pacific

Dr Ralf Emmers Associate Professor and Associate Dean Ms Sarah Teo Associate Research Fellow

theme International Politics and Security / Regionalism and Multilateralism region East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity RSIS / IDSS / CMS

“This book seeks to enrich the understandings of middle-power security strategies by examining countries that lack great-power capabilities, but still are able to assert their interests in specif-ic areas of international affairs by virtue of the capabilities they possess. Conceptually, this book examines the behaviours of this group of middle powers, complementing the traditional focus on the great powers in field of Asia Pacific security. Empirically, the book responds to a vacuum in the existing literature, given the lack of compar-ison among Indonesia, South Korea, Australia and Vietnam as middle powers, by examining the motivations and strategies of these Asia Pacific countries as they navigate regional dynamics and seek to preserve their security interests.”

11/06/2015

104 weeks

Understanding Transformative Local Leadership in Indonesia

Dr Alexander Arifianto Research Fellow

theme General / Country and Region Studies region Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity IDSS

“The aim of this study is to systematically as-sess whether there are political, institutional, and socio-cultural characteristics that encourage the growth of transformative local leaders in the Indonesian contexts that can be generalised for both theoretical and policy-oriented purposes. This study can help policymakers, both within and outside of Singapore, identify local executives that are widely considered to be transformative leaders and policy entrepreneurs within their re-spective localities. The identification these leaders in this research will give policymakers insightful backgrounds on their profiles, political strategies, and political allies, especially those from reli-gious-based organisations. Lastly, it can identify potential political, socio-cultural, and institutional characteristics that can potentially be replicated to produce future local leaders with commitment to innovation and policy entrepreneurship that can help Indonesians successfully complete their political and economic transformation.”

06/07/2015

52 weeks

India and Japan: Towards A Global Partnership? — Conference and Special Issue/Book

Dr Rajesh Basrur Professor and Coordinator of the South Asia Programme Ms Sumitha Narayanan Kutty Associate Research Fellow

theme Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security / Maritime Security / Regionalism and Multilateralismregion East Asia and Asia Pacific / South Asia entity IDSS

“This project seeks to examine the “Special Stra-tegic and Global Partnership” between India and Japan, with a focus on the future of bilateral stra-tegic and defence cooperation. The programme will convene a one-day workshop consisting of authors and commentators from India, Japan and Singapore on 29 January 2016. The resulting papers will then be published as a book or special issue.”

01/08/2015

52 weeks

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Fighting Separately: Jointness and Civil-Military Relations in India

Dr Anit Mukherjee Assistant Professor

theme Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security region South Asia / Globalentity IDSS

“How do countries transition from single service to joint operations? This research article engages with the discussion on military innovation to argue that civil-military relations are the most import-ant driver for jointness. In doing so it examines jointness in the Indian military. Relying on archival research and primary interviews this article sheds new light on the operations of the Indian Peace-keeping Forces (IPKF) in Sri Lanka from 1987-1990, the 1999 Kargil War and the Post-Kargil defence reforms. The main argument is that the Indian military’s transition to jointness has been “incomplete” primarily due to civilian inattention. It therefore recommends more forceful civilian intervention.”

01/09/2015

26 weeks

China’s Omni-directional Periphery Diplomacy


theme Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security region Central Asia / East Asia and Asia Pacific / South Asiaentity IDSS

“Given its size and the vast continental and mari-time boundaries that it shares with its neighbours, China has always perceived its peripheries as fun-damental to its security and well-being. This book examines China’s evolving strategies towards its surrounding peripheries, devoting in particular to a detailed examination of President Xi Jinping’s steering of Chinese periphery diplomacy. It argues that China pursues an ambitious, omnidirection-al, multi-vectored diplomacy that emphasises the entire periphery region, and not just specific peripheries. In this view, Chinese regional policy cannot be properly and adequately understood without taking into account its full breath, sub-stance and scope. Going beyond the usual focus on East Asia to also appraise the relationship with and management of its non-traditional peripheries of Central and South Asia, this book will address new developments in China’s periphery strategy under Xi. This book is co-edited with Professor Wang Jianwei, Director of the Institute of Global and Public Affairs at the University of Macau.”

01/10/2015

52 weeks

Studying China’s Assertiveness


theme Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security region East Asia and Asia Pacificentity IDSS

“This study attempts to address the question of China’s perceived rising assertiveness in the Asia Pacific region. Speaking and contributing to litera-ture and debate on the idea of China’s assertive-ness, this paper suggests that China’s diplomacy in Asia can be better understood from the lenses of what is termed flexible assertiveness. Flexible assertiveness refers to a two-pronged foreign pol-icy strategy that combines two particular aspects: one, a tougher and more uncompromising ap-proach towards issues which China regards as its core interests or connecting to its core interests. The other is a more flexible and cooperative ap-proach towards certain more negotiable interests that, while significant, are of relative secondary importance to Beijing.”

01/10/2015

52 weeks

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China’s Evolving Marine Fishery Sector and Global Fishery Governance: Norm Dissemination and Rising Power

Mr Hongzhou Zhang Associate Research FellowDr Fengshi Wu Associate Professor

theme Non-traditional security region East Asia and Asia Pacific entity IDSS

“Since the late 1970s, China’s marine fishing industry has experienced phenomenal expansion on par with the country’s overall economic devel-opment. China is now the biggest producer and exporter of fishery products in the world. Unfortu-nately, such rapid development of fishery indus-try is depleting fishery resources within China’s traditional fishing grounds equally rapidly, which has pushed for two structural changes: (i) a shift from inshore to offshore fishing; (ii) the expansion of deep water fishing. These structural changes will inevitably affect the regional and global fish stocks and marine ecology, and thus pose a grave challenge for global governance. The research focus on a few innovative mechanisms for norm diffusion which have had effects in engaging China with global norms such as transnational policy advocacy, treaty cross-referencing and soft compliance.”

01/11/2015

24 weeks

And the Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round: Why the Six-party Talks May Never Really End

Mr Lee Il Woo Associate Research Fellow

theme Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security / Regionalism and Multilateralism region East Asia and Asia Pacificentity IDSS

“Only a modest scholastic voyage has been made so as ignite, or reignite, a thorough discussion on the efficacy of the Six-Party Talks (SPT) now that speculations have surfaced of its possible resur-rection. Strangely, despite the clear disappoint-ments of the SPT to yield any lasting settlements, the question of why this medium still lingers as the default preference for significant stakeholders is what this study seeks to decipher. Special atten-tion is paid to regime theories laid out in the works of Stephen Krasner and Ernst B. Haas to ex-plain the enduring lifeline of the SPT. Using what Krasner has dubbed a modified structural position when illustrating the inner workings of both the 1994 Agreed Framework and the SPT regimes, this paper will further argue that while the world may operate under a realist paradigm, regimes do in fact make a difference, especially when inde-pendent decision-making can lead to disastrous results.”

01/11/2015

16 weeks

Modernising Southeast Asia’s Armed Forces in the 21st Century – Negotiating the Technological and Operational Challenges Ahead

Dr Bernard Fook Weng Loo Associate Professor

theme Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security region Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity IDSS

“This article explores the technological and oper-ational challenges that will face Southeast Asia’s armed forces as they continue to modernise their existing orders of battle. It argues that these challenges will exert contradictory imperatives to the respective modernisation programmes of the region’s armed forces.”

01/11/2015

20 weeks

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Understanding Shifts in China’s Food Security Strategy: The Advocacy Coalition Approach

Mr Hongzhou Zhang Associate Research Fellow

theme Non-traditional security region East Asia and Asia Pacific entity IDSS

“Over the past few years, China’s food security policy has moved away from its longstanding self-sufficiency to an open model. This article uses the advocacy coalition framework to under-stand this process of policy change. The author argues that recent shifts of China’s food secu-rity strategy can be presented as a competition between coalitions advocating belief systems regarding problems and policy. Changes in both domestic political economy of the food system, as well as external environment, have helped the neo-liberal coalition to break the predominance of the self-sufficiency collation.”

01/12/2015

32 weeks

Multiculturalism in the Secular State: Assessing Religious Freedom in Malaysia

Ms Saleena Saleem Associate Research Fellow

theme Country and Region Studies / Religion in Contemporary Societyregion Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity IDSS

“Several high-profile disputes around religious freedom in the past decade were pursued both in the civil and Islamic court systems, raising fun-damental questions about equality and liberty in Malaysia. However, rather than resolve questions and clarify the meaning and content of religious freedom, the courts themselves have become “principal sources of tension” that not only exac-erbates existing inter-ethnic tensions, but also deepens the secular-versus-religious polarising dynamic in society. This paper analyses the fac-tors that contribute to the secular-versus-religious polarising dynamic in Malaysian society; exam-ines how religious freedom disputes arbitrated in the court systems exacerbate societal tensions; and considers alternative mechanisms to medi-ate certain religious freedom disputes that would otherwise fall in the overlapping jurisdictions of the civil and Islamic courts.”

01/11/2015

22 weeks

Running to a Standstill: The Debate Over Defence Reforms in India


theme Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security region South Asia entity IDSS

“This is an intended book chapter in co-edited vol-ume tentatively titled India’s Emerging Strategic Challenges. This chapter examines the process of defence reforms in India. In doing so, it describes the evolution in India’s higher defence organisa-tion including post-Kargil defence reforms. The chapter also focuses on contemporary debates and analyses the functioning and recommenda-tions of the Naresh Chandra Committee, which was created in 2011 to revisit the defence reforms process. It concludes by suggesting a roadmap for future defence reforms.”

01/12/2015

39 weeks

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Civil Society Development in China: Ideational Dimensions

Dr Fengshi Wu Associate Professor

theme General / Religion in Contemporary Societyregion East Asia and Asia Pacificentity IDSS

“Based on a unique survey of activists and NGO practitioners, this research aims at understand and explain diversifying ideational orientations (including group identity, collective consciousness and political attitudes) of the growing realm of civil society in China. A politically informed and even charged civil society in China could have signifi-cant implication for Chinese politics as a whole in the coming decades. In contrast, without a mature civil society, the impact of political reforms in China can be limited. The research is at the stage of producing journal articles, book chapters and a book manuscript.”

01/01/2016

76 weeks

All Training But No Education: Professional Military Education and Civil-Military Relations in India


theme Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security region South Asia / Globalentity IDSS

“This proposed article analyses the role of civ-il-military relations in shaping professional mili-tary education. Its main argument is that military education benefits from a civil-military partnership and that such an arrangement has the potential to enhance military effectiveness and civilian control. This argument challenges Huntington’s notion of ‘objective control’ which assumed that military autonomy maximises its effectiveness. In making these arguments this article focuses on the role of civil-military relations on professional military ed-ucation in India. The article focuses on the Indian military however it also discusses instances of ci-vilian intervention in military education in different countries like the U.S., the U.K. and China.”

01/01/2016

26 weeks

The Chimera of Clarity: Dominant Battlespace Awareness and the Pervasiveness of Fog and Friction

Dr Bernard Fook Weng Loo Associate Professor

theme General / International Politics and Securityregion Global entity IDSS

“This article investigates a key claim of the Revo-lutions in Military Affairs literature – that pervasive sensing technologies will create a battlespace awareness asymmetry for the state able to leverage on such technologies. The result of this asymmetry – otherwise referred to as dominant battlespace awareness – will result in a situation where the state enjoying this advantage will oper-ate in battles without the traditional phenomenon of fog and friction.”

15/01/2016

40 weeks

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Japan-Southeast Asia Relations: Pursuing a Soft Balancing Strategy

Dr Bhubhindar Singh Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Regional Security Architecture Programme

theme Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security region East Asia and Asia Pacific entity IDSS

“This paper counters the dominant view that Japan is pursuing a hard balancing strategy to achieve its national objectives in response to China’s strategic rise especially since the 2000s. While this might be the case for national defence purposes, this strategy does not capture a more nuanced strategy pursued by Japan towards strengthening ties with Southeast Asia. In this re-gard, Japan has pursued a soft balancing strategy utilizing soft power tools and defence diplomacy.”

01/02/2016

10 Weeks

Antique Arms: A Factor for the Peace in Southeast Asia?

Dr Wu Shang Su Research Fellow

theme Country and Region Studiesregion Southeast Asia and ASEANentity IDSS

“Although the military build-ups in Southeast Asia in the recent years are often seen as a risk for regional peace, most regional countries’ armed forces actually possess considerable variety of outdated weapon systems. Through surveying regional countries’ arsenals with the SIPRI data base and the Military Balance, how aging mil-itary assets affect their military capability and their characteristics of military investment will be demonstrated. Consequently, this research would present a rare perspective of regional security.”

12/02/2016

6 weeks

Guns, Butter and Reputation: Examining Pretoria’s Nuclear Arms Programme via Realism, Liberalism and Constructivism

Dr Nah Liang Tuang Associate Research Fellow

theme Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security region Africa entity IDSS

“Current analysis of the now decommissioned and defunct South African nuclear weapons programme have investigated the causes of its initiation and termination to encompass factors like fear for national security, the influence of the nuclear research establishment, and international economic and political pressure. However, it is my opinion that single cause explanations of South African nuclear arms development and/or disman-tlement are not fully accounting for reality, or are in some cases falsifiable. To address the shortfalls of current research, I propose to write a 8,000-9,000 word paper examining Pretoria’s nuclear munitions programme using a framework which links security based realism, counter and pro economic interdependence liberalism, and both pro and counter nuclear proliferation constructivist norms into an interrelated model, which can be substantiated and leaves no causational stone unturned.”

29/02/2016

20 weeks

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A Documentary History of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

Mr Eddie Lim Senior FellowDr Daniel Chua Wei Boon Research Fellow

theme Country and Region Studies / Regionalism and Multilateralismregion Southeast Asia and ASEANentity IDSS

“This project is an update of a previous publication by Associate Professor Ang Cheng Guan and Mr Eddie Lim. It aims to compile significant docu-ments produced by ASEAN from 1967 to 2007, and develop a thematic commentary that exam-ines key events in the history of ASEAN.”

01/03/2016

72 weeks

Neo-Conservatism: The All-American Way? A presentation for the ISMS Conference 2015 in Helsinki

Mr Lee Il Woo Associate Research FellowMr Chang Jun Yan Associate Research Fellow

theme International Politics and Security region Globalentity IDSS

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10/06/2015

16 weeks

International Centre forPolitical Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR)

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Security Informatics Strategic Project

Ms Nur Azlin Mohd Yasin Associate Research Fellow Mr Muhd Haziq Jani Research AnalystMs Vidia Arianti Associate Research FellowMs Nur Aziemah Azman Associate Research FellowMs Sara Mahmood Research AnalystMr Jasminder Singh Research AnalystMr Nodirbek Soliev Senior AnalystMr Remy Mahzam Associate Research Fellow

theme Terrorism Studies region Central Asia / South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN / Middle East and North Africa (MENA)entity ICPVTR

“This research paper is on ISIS messaging and online propaganda, as well as its appeal to its supporters and fighters from regions such as Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.”

27/01/2016

44 weeks

A Sociological Analysis of ISIS

Dr Irm Haleem Assistant Professor and Manager (Research and Publications)

theme Terrorism Studies region Globalentity ICPVTR

“This essay takes a critical look at the reasons for ISIS’ success and consolidation, and focuses on factors other than its Islamic rhetoric.”

01/01/2016

15 weeks

Understanding Online Presence of ISIS’ Uyghur and Central Asian Fighters

Mr Nodirbek Soliev Senior Analyst

theme Terrorism Studiesregion Central Asia / Middle East and North Africa (MENA)entity ICPVTR

“This research paper is part of the project on “Security Informatics Strategic Project”. This pa-per seeks to explore ISIS messaging and online propaganda, as well as its appeal to its fighters and supporters from regions such as Central and Northeast Asia, South and Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.Online propaganda is critical in ISIS’ ideological war, in which the goal is to persuade the uncom-mitted that it has the better ideology, and to rein-force the beliefs of its adherents (Payne 2009). The militant group has effectively developed online propaganda strategies to construct and propagate extremist messages for key audiences. The aim of the research is (i) to explore the goals of online messaging of ISIS and its Uyghur and Central Asian affiliates among the populace of Central Asia and China; (ii) to identify the key elements of their online propaganda strategy; and (iii) the mediums through which ISIS’ extremist messages are disseminated.”

27/01/2016

12 weeks

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Rehabilitation and Community Engagement to Counter the Threat of the Foreign Fighter Returnees and Recruits

Dr Rohan Gunaratna Professor and Head of ICPVTR

theme Terrorism Studies / Conflict and Stability / Homeland Security Region / Global region Central Asia / South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN / Middle East and North Africa (MENA)entity ICPVTR

“The paper is to be published as a policy brief for the U.S. Their partners will discuss the threat of foreign fighters returning to their home countries and how the tool of rehabilitation can be used to mainstream both returnees and recruits. The paper argues that unless the foreign fighters are assessed and reintegrated, they will pose a security threat, infect others with their ideology and will form a part of the terrorist and insurgent iconography. To this end, Singapore’s Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) has developed three modes of rehabilitation: religious, social and fami-ly, and psychological. ICPVTR has developed four additional modes: educational, vocational, recre-ational and creative art. In partnership with RRG, ICPVTR has advised, assisted and assessed the rehabilitation initiatives in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pa-kistan, Sri Lanka, Oman, UAE and in Southeast Asia. To meet the challenge of returnees, the Car-ter Centre plans to share the Singapore model of rehabilitation with governments and partners keen to build their custodial rehabilitation and communi-ty reintegration programmes.”

01/03/2016

8 weeks

ISIS Social Media Outreach in Southeast Asia

Dr Rohan Gunaratna Professor and Head of ICPVTRMr Remy Mahzam Associate Research Fellow

theme Cybersecurity, Biosecurity and Nuclear Safety / Terrorism Studies region Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity ICPVTR

“In the evolution of modern jihadist propaganda, the self-styled Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is using contemporary mode of messaging especially on social media platforms for recruit-ment, intimidate enemies and promote its claim to establish a caliphate, a unified Muslim state run according to a strict interpretation of Islamic law. This journal identifies the recent tools, strategies and social networking channels utilised by ISIS in their online campaign to reach out to the South-east Asian audience.”

26/02/2016

44 weeks

Centre of Excellence forNational Security (CENS)

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Gender Equality (and its Absence) in Singapore’s 2015 General Elections

Dr Norman Vasu Senior Fellow and Deputy Head of CENSMs Priscilla Cabuyao Senior Analyst

theme Country Studiesregion Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity CENS

“This article considers the relationship between gender and Singaporean politics through the experience of the 2015 election and its results. It shows that while Singapore has moved some way towards assuaging the demands of liberal feminists for greater representation in the political sphere, much more has to be done in order for gender equality to be achieved.

The article argues for the Group Representation Constituency method of electing parliamentarians to be adapted to ensure a greater number of fe-male parliamentarians while a quota system may be required for cabinet to be truly representative of the female demographic of Singapore.”

01/12/2015

12 weeks

Cultural Fault Lines and Singapore

Dr Norman Vasu Senior Fellow and Deputy Head of CENSMs Yeap Su Yin Associate Research FellowMs Nur Diyanah Anwar Research Analyst

theme Country and Region Studies / Singapore and Homeland Security / Religion in Contemporary Society region Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity CENS

“As society in Singapore grows increasingly di-verse, societal fault lines are no longer anchored primarily to traditional differences based on race and religion. Contemporary society’s multifaceted identities and affiliations are altering the cultural context of Singapore, presenting potential sites of contestation based on culture writ large. This policy paper discusses (i) the role of culture in cre-ating societal disjunction; (ii) offers cartography of a new culture war in Singapore in various spheres of modern life such as economics, education and sports; and (iii) offers policy options on how these new cultural differences may be attended to.”

01/03/2015

64 weeks

Particularity and Commonality amongst Singaporean Undergraduates

Dr Norman Vasu Senior Fellow and Deputy Head of CENSMs Yeap Su Yin Associate Research FellowMs Nur Diyanah Anwar Research Analyst

theme Country and Region Studies / Singapore and Homeland Securityregion Southeast Asia and ASEANentity CENS

“The ability to shape and live within a multicultural society remains the bedrock of social order and harmony in Singapore. A particular form of mul-ticulturalism has taken root where difference is understood to be represented through a four-way classification of race (CMIO). This approach to managing communal difference has been em-ployed to maintain civility and harmony, carrying the country forward from the racial riots in the 1950s and 1960s through to today’s multi-varie-gated security threats.

The basis of multiculturalism in Singapore is, however, very much dependant on the accep-tance and practice of this CMIO representation by its people, a representation which appears to be evolving as the country undergoes rapid demo-graphic changes. This is especially evident in the past decade through large-scale immigration as well as – from increasing numbers of interracial and international marriages – the changing char-acter of the Singaporean population itself.

This qualitative study of 90 students from three universities in Singapore (NUS, SMU and NTU) will explore how the youth in Singapore un-derstand multiculturalism and their identities in Singapore.”

01/03/2015

64 weeks

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Methodological Challenges Associated with Field and Online Research in Terrorism Studies

Mr Joseph Franco Associate Research FellowMr Cameron Sumpter Senior AnalystMr Romain Quivooij Associate Research Fellow

theme Terrorism Studies region Globalentity CENS

“To focus on the emerging challenges in using online sources and other open-source intelligence to study terrorist group activities.”

01/12/2015

24 weeks

Centre for Non-TraditionalSecurity Studies (NTS Centre)

Start :

Duration:

Start :

Duration:

Start :

Duration:

Food Security Research Programme Phase II: Food Security and Climate Change: Regional Dynamics and Implications for Singapore

Dr Paul Teng Professor and Adjunct Senior FellowDr Jonatan Lassa Research FellowDr Tamara Nair Research FellowMr Jose Ma. Luis P. Montesclaros Associate Research FellowMr Maxim Shrestha Associate Research FellowMr Vincent Mack Zhi Wei Associate Research Fellow

theme Country and Region Studies / International Political Economy / Non-Traditional Security / Regionalism and Multilateralism / Singapore and Homeland Security region East Asia and Asia Pacific / South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity NTS Centre

“This research consists of three separate but interlinked projects. Project 1 identified the down-scaled impacts of climate change on the supply of food commodities in key production regions and policy implications for safeguarding food security in Southeast Asia. Project 2 looked at stocks and stockpiling practices and mechanisms in the ASEAN region (plus India, China, Japan) and the impacts of such policies on food security and international trade of food commodities. Both projects are completed and currently awaiting confirmation of project closure. Project 3, which is on-going, aims to develop dynamic systems models that will allow evaluation of Singapore’s current strategies to ensure sufficient food, and suggest new strategies in response to anticipated changes in food availability. Together these proj-ects aim to understand specific drivers of change in selected food production zones and their impli-cations for the region.”

01/06/2013

156 Weeks

Community Protection and Empowerment

Dr Mely Caballero-Anthony Associate Professor and Head of NTS CentreDr Alistair D. B. Cook Research Fellow and Coordinator of the HADR ProgrammeMs Vishalini Chandara Sagar Senior AnalystMs Celina Yulo Loyzaga Research AnalystMr Zin Bo Htet Research Analyst

theme Conflict and Stability / Non-Traditional Security / International Politics and Securityregion East Asia and Asia Pacific / South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN / Globalentity NTS Centre

“This project aims to (i) map the most vulnerable populations across the world to better understand their needs and vulnerabilities; and (ii) to under-stand the capacity of communities to respond in the event of crises. This project will map out marginalised communities as well as regions that are more prone to disasters and violence. Special focus will be given to regions where these various categories overlap as they are defined as com-plex security environments. This project will also look at specific ways to help these communities to protect themselves in crisis situations and also determine where and what type of humanitarian assistance should be provided to help them. This project also seeks to bring together the public, private and people sectors to debate on best prac-tices when dealing with vulnerable communities.”

01/04/2015

112 weeks

Research Study on Environmental Issues in ASEAN

Dr Raman Letchumanan Senior Fellow

theme Non-Traditional Security / Regionalism and Multilateralism region Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity NTS Centre

“This project focuses on three thematic areas related to the ASEAN environment agenda: (i)ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollu-tion – Towards Effective Implementation ofthe Agreement; (ii) ASEAN Post-2015 Regional Environmental Agenda: Meeting National Needswhile Responding to Global Environmental Issues; and (iii) ASEAN Regional Work Programme onClimate Change: Adaptation and Mitigation. The study on thematic areas (i) and (ii) have been completed, while the study on climate change is on-going and expected to be completed by April 2016. The study takes stock of ASEAN’s prog-ress on environmental issues and analyses the effectiveness of regional frameworks, platforms, processes and mechanisms in ASEAN in facili-tating regional cooperation and resolving trans-boundary environmental issues. It also examines national policies and actions in relation to the broader regional environmental goals. The project aims to provide policy recommendations to further promote regional cooperation amongst various stakeholders and contribute towards the formula-tion of the Post-2015 ASEAN Agenda.”

01/11/2014

78 weeks

Start :

Duration:

Start :

Duration:

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Emerging HADR Landscape in Asia

Dr Mely Caballero-Anthony Associate Professor and Head of NTS Centre Dr Alistair D. B. Cook Research Fellow and Coordinator of the HADR ProgrammeMs Vishalini Chandara Sagar Senior AnalystMs Celina Yulo Loyzaga Research AnalystMr Zin Bo Htet Research Analyst

theme Conflict and Stability / Non-Traditional Security / Regionalism and Multilateralism / International Politics and Security region Americas / East Asia and Asia Pacific / South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN / Globalentity NTS Centre

“This project will: (i) identify trends and devel-opments in the HADR environment of Asia over the next decade; (ii) assess new and emerging humanitarian actors (both state and non-state) utilising a multi-dimensional and holistic approach across different levels of analysis (community, na-tional, regional and international); and (iii) include emerging trends in preparedness, response and the evolution of regional frameworks. The over-all objective will be to identify the implications of these developments for Singapore and the wider region. The geographical scope of the study will be the Asia Pacific. This project will support the delivery of one of the six policy briefs for FY15/16 – FY17/18 and an edited collection of papers to be published. It is intended to host an annual writer’s workshop for scholars and practitioners to develop key contributions to the project, a region-al HADR network and facilitate the building of a bridge between academia and policy.”

01/04/2015

Multi-year

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Database


theme Conflict and Stability / Non-Traditional Security / Regionalism and Multilateralism / International Politics and Security region East Asia and Asia Pacific / South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN / Globalentity NTS Centre

“The programme intends to establish a HADR database that will provide the basis upon which to capture lessons learnt and reflections on HADR operations. This will provide an avenue to build institutional memory on HADR and the evidence for periodic briefings on HADR developments. Its success will be dependent on the ability to engage with returning and serving relief workers and mili-tary personnel involved in HADR activities.”

01/04/2015

Multi-year

Humanitarian Effectiveness


theme Conflict and Stability / Non-Traditional Security / Regionalism and Multilateralism / International Politics and Securityregion East Asia and Asia Pacific / South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN / Globalentity NTS Centre

“The project will address the challenge of better emergency disaster response in complex situa-tions and evaluate the quality and impact of assis-tance by militaries and civilian organisations. The project aims to: (i) improve responses specifically including civil-military relations through dialogue, coordination, needs assessment, the development of a HADR database; and (ii) identify pathways to promote more effective HADR.”

01/04/2015

Multi-year

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Duration:

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Lessons from the 2015 Nepal Earthquake

Dr Mely Caballero-Anthony Associate Professor and Head of NTS Centre Dr Alistair D. B. Cook Research Fellow and Coordinator of the HADR ProgrammeMr Maxim Shrestha Associate Research FellowMs Vishalini Chandara Sagar Senior AnalystMs Celina Yulo Loyzaga Research AnalystMr Zin Bo Htet Research Analyst


“The research is intended to investigate the humanitarian assistance and disaster response conducted by various entities in the aftermath of the earthquakes in Nepal in April/May 2015. Through key informant interviews and desk-based research, this research paper will (i) explore the different perspectives from both responders and recipients on key response activities; (ii) identify successes and failures of interaction between international responders and local communities; and (iii) identify the lessons learned by individual humanitarian organisations, cataloguing local community leader perspectives and experiences and directions for future activities.”

01/01/2016

12 weeks

Humanitarian Technology and Private Sector Engagement



“This project aims to (i) examine the field of humanitarian technology as applied to a broad-ly defined context of crises encompassing both natural disasters and conflict zones; and (ii) exam-ine how humanitarian actors can engage better with various stakeholders from the private sector. This project will evaluate the use of humanitarian technology and identify the impact technology has on humanitarian responses, such as the use of drones for needs assessment, as well as the emergent challenges of information technology, big data and technological innovations in human-itarian action. This project will also identify the private sector resources and networks that can be utilised when it comes to disaster management.”

01/04/2015

112 weeks

Building a Robust Framework for Nuclear Energy Governance in ASEAN

Dr Mely Caballero-Anthony Associate Professor and Head of NTS Centre Dr Alistair D. B. Cook Research Fellow and Coordinator of the HADR ProgrammeMr Julius Cesar Trajano Associate Research Fellow

theme Energy Security / Cybersecurity, Biosecurity and Nuclear Safety / Non-Traditional Security region Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity NTS Centre

“This programme will explore pathways toward building a robust framework for nuclear energy governance in ASEAN. The study argues that through a dense web of ASEAN-led regional frameworks, to be informed by key lessons on nuclear safety, security and safeguards from other regions, ASEAN is well placed to advance a regional regulatory framework for nuclear energy governance. As such, this three-year project is divided into two research themes: (i) mapping regional regulatory regimes; and (ii) capacity building and policy pathways for the Asia Pacific, including ASEAN.

For 2016, the programme will examine the exist-ing regional frameworks on nuclear energy gover-nance energy (EURATOM, Latin America) outside the ASEAN region as well as the nascent regional cooperation on nuclear 3s within the ASEAN. It will assess how the other international frameworks (the U.S., South Korea, Japan) can inform future regional nuclear governance in ASEAN.”

01/09/2015

156 weeks

Start :

Duration:

Start :

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TITLENGO Perceptions of Military Humanitarian Activity


theme Conflict and Stability / Non-Traditional Security / International Politics and Security region East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN / South Asiaentity NTS Centre

“This project seeks to (i) identify the various per-ceptions that Non-Governmental Organisations’ (NGOs) have about humanitarian assistance provided by state militaries; and (ii) analyse if these perceptions have impacted the provision of effective humanitarian assistance. Based on consultations with key stakeholders, this project will identify the views about militaries when they provide humanitarian assistance. This project will also explore how recent developments worldwide have affected the relationship between militaries, NGOs and other key stakeholders, with the aim of facilitating better humanitarian outcomes for crisis-affected populations in the future. Finally, the project will look at civil-military coordination in relation to the protection of civilians.”

04/01/2016

56 weeks

Future Humanitarian Landscape


theme Conflict and Stability / Non-Traditional Security / International Politics and Securityregion East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN / South Asiaentity NTS Centre

“This project will (i) identify trends and develop-ments in the HADR environment of Asia over the next decade; (ii) assess new and emerging humanitarian actors (both state and non-state) utilising a multi-dimensional and holistic approach across different levels of analysis (community, national, regional and international); and (iii) include emerging trends in preparedness, re-sponse and the evolution of regional frameworks. The overall objective will be to identify the im-plications of these developments for Singapore and the wider region. The geographical scope of the study will be the Asia Pacific. The project will support the delivery of one of the six policy briefs for FY15/16–FY17/18 and an edited collection of papers to be published. It is intended to host an annual writer’s workshop for scholars and practi-tioners to develop key contributions to the project, a regional HADR network and facilitate the build-ing of a bridge between academia and policy.”

05/01/2016

56 weeks

Centre for Multilateralism Studies(CMS)

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Jump-starting South Asia: Round Two of Economic Reforms and “Look East” Policies

Dr Pradumna Bickram Rana Associate Professor and Coordinator of the MSc (IPE) ProgrammeDr Chia Wai Mun Associate Professor, Division of Economics, HSS, NTU

theme International Political Economy / Regionalism and Multilateralism region East Asia and Asia Pacific / South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity CMS

“This book focuses on the slowing pace of economic reforms and outlines a two-pronged strategy to jump-start South Asian economies. First, South Asian countries should complete the economic reform process that they had begun in the 1980s and 1990s and implement the more microeconomic reforms, namely, the sectoral, and governance and institutional reforms to enhance competition and improve the operation of mar-kets. Second, they should implement the second round of “Look East” policies or LEP2 to (i) link themselves to production networks in East Asia, their fastest growing markets; and (ii) develop production networks in manufacturing and ser-vices within their region. The book argues that the proposed strategy will lead to a win-win situation for all countries in South Asia and East Asia and reinvigorate economic integration within South Asia, one of the least integrated regions of the world. The book also identifies the unfinished pol-icy reform agenda for each South Asian country and the components of the LEP2 that they should implement.”

01/04/2014

104 weeks

A Study to Analyse the Impact of FTAs and Mega-FTAs

Dr Pradumna Bickram Rana Associate Professor and Coordinator of the MSc (IPE) Programme

theme International Political Economy / Regionalism and Multilateralismregion East Asia and Asia Pacific / South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity CMS

“This research analyses the impact of FTAs and Mega-FTAs on Asian countries and focuses on the following research questions:

(1) Despite the preponderance of research evi-dence that economic impacts of FTAs are relative-ly small, why are countries so eager to sign FTAs and join mega-FTAs?

(2) What are the benefits and costs of FTAs?

(3) Are the mega-FTAs, such as TPP, TTIP, RCEP, being negotiated complementary or competitive with each other? Are they stepping stones or stumbling blocks to multilateralism? How should Asian countries respond?

(4) Since mega-FTAs are likely to play a lead-ing role in making rules on international trade, how will they impact on WTO’s centrality? Going forward, what are the possible scenarios - will mega-FTAs undermine the WTO?”

01/03/2015

105 weeks

Electoral Institutions, Particularism, and the Skill-Bias of Trade Protection

Dr Lee Su-Hyun Assistant Professor

theme General / International Political Economy region Globalentity CMS

“Why do some countries have trade protection bi-ased toward skill-intensive industries than others? While the literature on endogenous protection commonly argues that the skill-bias of trade policy has features of public goods, much previous research does not explain clearly the conditions under which governments maintain higher tariff rates for skill-intensive industries over unskilled-in-tensive ones. Using time-series cross-section data on 28 industries in 52 democracies, this research argues that the extent to which governments pro-tect skill-intensive industries is explained by the interaction between two factors: first, a country’s factor endowments that determine the median voter’s sector-specific trade policy preferences; and second, the degree of political particularism that affects the responsiveness of representa-tive policymakers to the rent-seeking behavior of special interest groups. Preliminary findings were presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Political Science Association (Washington D.C., August 28-31, 2014).

[Update]: The outcome of this project is currently available as a working paper. The final manuscript has been submitted for review.”

15/09/2014

104 weeks

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Duration:

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Decentralising Financial and Development Architecture

Dr Pradumna Bickram Rana Associate Professor and Coordinator of the MSc (IPE) ProgrammeDr Ramon Pacheco Lecturer at King’s College, London, U.K.

theme International Political Economy / Regionalism and Multilateralism region Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity CMS

“This research focuses on the factors that are leading to the decentralisation of the global eco-nomic architecture and how this is complicating the issue of global economic governance. It also focuses on how complementarity between global and regional institutions could be promoted.”

01/06/2015

90 weeks

Singapore Economic Review Special Issue on ASEAN’s Long-Term Economic Potential and Vision (Guest Editor)

Dr Pradumna Bickram Rana Associate Professor and Coordinator of the MSc (IPE) Programme

theme International Political Economy / Regionalism and Multilateralism region Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity CMS

“This Special Issue will contain papers on:

(1) Strategic issues including long-term aspirations of ASEAN

(2) Modalities for integration

(3) Institutional issues such as governance principles, legal issues, and ASEAN institution

(4) Key economic integration pillars (including macroeconomic and financial issues, trade and investment integration, and connectivity and infrastructure)

(5) Food security, environmental, and green growth

(6) ASEAN centrality and its engagement with the rest of Asia”

01/06/2015

52 weeks

The Timing of Extracting Natural Resources

Dr Lee Chia-yi Assistant Professor

theme International Political Economy / Energy Security region Globalentity CMS

“This project aims to explore what affects the timing of natural resource extraction and the resource production rate. Theoretically, natural resources, particularly oil, are highly lucrative, so countries richly endowed with natural resources may want to extract them as fast as possible. However, we have witnessed that some coun-tries delay their oil projects or keep the oil in the ground. What explains this variation? I use data on oil production and statistical models to system-atically examine the domestic and international factors that affect the oil production rate.

Update: The first draft of this paper was finished and presented in the 2015 American Political Sci-ence Association Annual Meeting, San Francisco, 1-4 September 2015. More theoretical develop-ment and data analyses are on-going.

01/06/2015

78 weeks

Start :

Duration:

Start :

Duration:

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Support from Above: International Organisations and Leadership Survival

Dr Lee Chia-yi Assistant Professor

theme International Political Economy / International Politics and Security region Global entity CMS

“This project aims to explore how membership in international organisations (IOs) affects politi-cal leaders. The existing literature on IOs shows that IO membership leads to some favourable political consequences, such as democratisation and reduced conflicts. Whether political leaders benefit from IO membership, however, is underex-plored. This project systematically examines the effect of IOs on leadership survival, showing that in general IO membership has a beneficial effect on leadership survival. It also distinguishes IOs by their functions and finds that economic IOs and political IOs have different effects on democratic leaders and authoritarian leaders.”

01/11/2015

52 weeks

Ethnic Diversity, Political Institutions, and the Provision of Public Goods

Dr Lee Su-Hyun Assistant Professor

theme General / International Political Economy region Globalentity CMS

“Why do some countries provide more public goods than others? Much previous research com-monly argues that ethnic diversity is negatively associated with various aspects of good gover-nance, such as public good provision, economic development, and political stability, because diver-sity hinders the ability of a society to communicate on common goals and to sanction those who fail to cooperate. Ethnic heterogeneity also tends to lead collective action problems in the provision of public goods, as different ethnic groups frequently hold different policy preferences. Then why do some countries more successfully overcome the costs of ethnic division and provide public goods for broad, national constituencies? To answer this question systematically, this paper examines the joint effects of ethnic diversity and political institu-tions on cross-national variation on the provision of public goods.”

30/01/2016

78 weeks

Shaping the Future of East Asian Economic Architecture: Views of ASEAN

Dr Kaewkamol (Karen) Pitakdumrongkit Assistant Professor

theme Country and Region Studies / International Political Economy / Regionalism and Multilateralism region East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN / Globalentity CMS

“This project examines ASEAN’s perspective on the future of East Asian Economic Architecture, focusing on three areas: (i) trade; (ii) money and finance; and (iii) infrastructure development.”

01/02/2016

20 weeks

Studies in Inter-ReligiousRelations in Plural Societies(SRP) Programme

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Framework and Resources for Understanding Inter-religious Relations in Singapore and Southeast Asia

Dr Paul Hedges Associate ProfessorDr Tony See Contract ResearcherDr Hue Guan Thye Contract ResearcherMs Juhi Ahuja Research AnalystMr Salim Mohamed Nasir Associate Research Fellow

theme Country and Region Studies / Religion in Contemporary Societyregion Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity SRP

“This research has two parts: interviews and theory. Interviews (Singapore), Phase 1: apex leaders across the Christian (Catholic and Prot-estant), Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Taoist/ Chinese religious traditions. Phase 2: mid-level and grassroots practitioners, other traditions and the non-religious. Exploring the resources within communities for inter-religious co-existence and harmony.

Theory: builds on the interviews and employs theoretical tools from hermeneutics, religious studies, philosophy, and dialogue theory to build a framework, or set of frameworks. These will map the local state of inter-religious relations and moving towards an Asian model for the theology of religions. It will include policy advice directed towards state, religious, and inter-faith actors for the promotion and securing of harmony and co-existence in common space.

Update: Phase 1 completed (interviews with apex leadership) and dissemination of initial findings at SRP Symposium 2016; Phase 2: Mid-level lead-ers and grassroots commencing.”

05/01/2015

156 weeks

Survey of Al-Wala’ wal Bara’ (Loyalty and Disavowal) Sentiments within the Muslim Community in Singapore

Dr Mohamed Bin Ali Assistant ProfessorSheikh Mohamad Farouq Research Associate

theme Religion in Contemporary Societyregion Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity SRP

“The research aims to explore the Islamic doc-trine of Al-Wala’ wal Bara’ (WB) within the Muslim community in Singapore. In particular, it aims to discover to what extent the ‘extreme’ manifesta-tions of WB have influenced and penetrated the Muslim community here. Towards this objective, the study will do a survey of specific WB ideas that might have taken root in the Muslim commu-nity. The survey will be conducted through analys-ing these ideas encapsulated in the teachings of Muslim preachers as well as through interviewing key religious elites and leaders.

In the broad sense, this research attempts to study how religious ideas and concepts such as WB are used by Muslims to incite hatred against the non-Muslims, and thus cause disruption to social harmony and cohesion in a multi-religious society. A mapping of the spectrum of ideas that exist will be done.”

01/12/2014

156 Weeks

Idea of Caliphate, Islamic State, Migration (Hijra), Takfirism, and Views on Relations with Non-Muslims

Dr Rozlan Giri Principal Coordinator


“To seek interpretation, understanding and thoughts that legitimise negative relations, hostil-ity towards non-Muslims and disruption of social harmony/cohesion.”

01/10/2014

116 Weeks

Start :

Duration:

Start :

Duration:

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Duration:

Towards Better Disagreement: A Journey into Religion and Atheism

Dr Paul Hedges Associate Professor

theme Religion in Contemporary Societyregion Americas / Europe / Globalentity SRP

“A contracted book project (publication due in September 2016) to explore the relationship and dialogue between religious and atheist world-views. The project will seek to explore reasons for disagreement, areas for common understanding and cooperation, and historical and philosophical misunderstandings and disagreements.”

01/09/2015

52 weeks

Brill Research Perspectives: Comparative Theology


theme Religion in Contemporary Societyregion Globalentity SRP

“Brill Research Perspectives in Theology covers state-of-the-art analysis and critical studies in major and emerging fields in systematic, practical, historical, and inter-cultural theology. It provides the most up-to-date research written by a leading theologian in this area. Each issue consists of 50-100 pages, including an annotated bibliography.

Topics range from theologians and specific peri-ods in the history of theology to recent trends and themes in contemporary theology, from confes-sional traditions to methodological debates, from classic doctrinal themes to current developments in theology and society.

Brill Research Perspectives in Theology is an invaluable resource for scholars wishing to draw on the latest theological research, as well as a dynamic resource for teaching and for students of theology and related fields. Under contract to prepare a BRP on Comparative Theology, due for publication in 2017.”

15/02/2016

52 Weeks

Cyber-Hindutva: A Comparative Study of Southeast Asia

Ms Akanksha Narain Research Analyst


“The project aims to study the engagement of the Southeast Asian Indian diaspora with Hin-du Nationalism using the online world. For this purpose, I will be engaging with various social media groups and websites that espouse Hindu Nationalism. Furthermore, I will also attempt to understand ‘troll’ Hindutva activists who use Twit-ter and other forms of social media to attack their ‘enemies’ and discredit them. This will be a com-parative study of cyber-Hindutva in the Southeast Asian context and will look at Singapore, Myan-mar, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Additionally, for the purpose of the project, I will be interviewing journalists and academics who have been tracking the online activities of the Non-Res-ident Indians (NRIs) and the role of the internet behind the Hindutva wave.”

22/02/2016

20 weeks

Start :

Duration:

Start :

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Religious Activism and Religiosity in the 80s – Impact on Management of Religious Diversity

Amb Mohammad Alami Musa Head of SRP Programme


“The study will examine how the state’s view of religion, its position on the role of religion, the policy decisions taken, the issues that arose due to more aggressive religious expressions, activism and incursion into politics as well as public space in the 1980s had affected the management of religious diversity till today.”

01/03/2016

40 weeks

Brill Research Perspectives: Comparative Theology


theme Religion in Contemporary Societyregion Globalentity SRP

“Brill Research Perspectives in Theology covers state-of-the-art analysis and critical studies in major and emerging fields in systematic, practical, historical, and inter-cultural theology. It provides the most up-to-date research written by a leading theologian in this area. Each issue consists of 50-100 pages, including an annotated bibliography. Topics range from theologians and specific peri-ods in the history of theology to recent trends and themes in contemporary theology, from confes-sional traditions to methodological debates, from classic doctrinal themes to current developments in theology and society. Brill Research Perspec-tives in Theology is an invaluable resource for scholars wishing to draw on the latest theologi-cal research, as well as a dynamic resource for teaching and for students of theology and related fields. Under contract to prepare a BRP on Com-parative Theology, due for publication in 2017.”

15/02/2016

52 Weeks

Cyber-Hindutva: A Comparative Study of Southeast Asia

Ms Akanksha Narain Research Analyst


“The project aims to study the engagement of the Southeast Asian Indian diaspora with Hin-du Nationalism using the online world. For this purpose, I will be engaging with various social media groups and websites that espouse Hin-du Nationalism. Furthermore, I will also attempt to understand ‘troll’ Hindutva activists who use Twitter and other forms of social media to attack their ‘enemies’ and discredit them. This will be a comparative study of cyber-Hindutva in the South-east Asian context and will look at Singapore, Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia. Additionally, for the purpose of the project, I will be interview-ing journalists and academics who have been tracking the online activities of the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and the role of the internet behind the Hindutva wave.”

22/02/2016

20 weeks

Others

Start :

Duration:

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Shifting Sands: Volatile Political Transitions in the Middle East and North Africa, Essays on Sports and Politics

Mr James M. Dorsey Senior Fellow

theme General / Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies region Middle East and North Africa (MENA) entity RSIS

“(Book to be published by World Scientific)

The Middle East and North Africa are experi-encing the most fundamental transition in their post-colonial history. It is a transition that is changing borders as well as political and social structures. Conflicting visions of what those struc-tures should be ensure that transition will take years and make the process volatile, brutal and bloody. The balance of power shifts like quick-sand. Mass anti-government protests that initially succeeded in toppling leaders have deteriorated into civil wars in Syria, Yemen and Libya and the return of autocracy in Egypt. In the process, the protests have given way to the rise of Jihadist Is-lam fuelled by sectarian government policies. The rise of Jihadism has not only revived global efforts to counter political violence but also sparked soul searching within Islam itself and debate about combatting the marginalisation and alienation of minority Muslim communities in the West and the justification of international support of autocratic regimes whose policies create environments con-ducive to radicalisation.”

11/07/2013

158 weeks

Communist Threat to Both Malaya and Singapore, Spanning 1948 and 1989

Dr Kumar Ramakrishna Associate Professor and Head of Policy Studies

theme General / Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security / Terrorism Studies / Singapore and Homeland Security region Southeast Asia and ASEAN / Globalentity RSIS

“This monograph examines the development of the Communist Party of Malaya since the 1930s and the ebb and flow of its fortunes as it sought to secure power in Singapore and Malaya through both armed violence and united front tactics of subversion against the backdrop of the Cold War from the late 1940s to the end of the 1980s.”

09/04/2014

104 weeks

The South China Sea Disputes: Flashpoints, Turning Points and Trajectories

Mr Yang Razali Kassim Senior Fellow

theme Country and Region Studies / International Politics and Security / Maritime Securityregion Southeast Asia/ASEANentity RSIS

[A edited volume for Strategic Currents 2015 examining the South China Sea Disputes, to be published by World Scientific/Imperial College Press.]

“This volume tracks and traces the evolution of the South China Sea Disputes since the contro-versial 2012 ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in Phnom Penh, which marked a turning point in the regional handling of the disputes. It also covers the international debates on one of the hottest international disputes of the 21st century, which can easily turn from a brewing flashpoint into a regional conflict with global repercussions.”

01/12/2014

60 weeks

Start :

Duration:

Start :

Duration:

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Unpacking the Smart Nation – Policy Implications for a Hyper-connected Singapore

Dr Tan Teck Boon Research Fellow

theme Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / Energy Security / Cybersecurity, Biosecurity and Nuclear Safety / International Politics and Security / Non-Traditional Security / Singapore and Homeland Security / Religion in Contemporary Societyregion Americas / East Asia and Asia Pacific / Europe / Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity RSIS

“Using a mixed methodology, this project aims to unpack the Smart Nation initiative. Firstly, it attempts to answer the research question: what is the smart nation and how is it different from preceding digital initiatives from the Singapore government? Secondly, this project seeks to as-sess the myriad policy implications this high-tech architecture will have on the small nation-state. Lastly, this project looks at the role of the govern-ment and how it might adapt in the smart nation scenario. While studies have been made in the past on the digital/intelligent/smart city, there is no comprehensive study on the Smart Nation initia-tive. This project is expected to fill an important research gap on a timely topic.”

02/08/2015

52 weeks

Assessing the Most Important Factors Hampering Interagency Cooperation in Cyber Security Between International Law Enforcement and Intelligence Agencies


theme Cybersecurity, Biosecurity and Nuclear Safety / International Politics and Security / Non-Traditional Security / Regionalism and Multilateralism / Terrorism Studies / Singapore and Homeland Security region Americas / East Asia and Asia Pacific / Europe / South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN / Globalentity RSIS

“Using qualitative research, this project seeks to establish the most important factors that limit cooperation in cyber security between major international and regional law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Cooperation is defined as engaging in collective actions as well as infor-mational exchanges between agencies and departments. A series of damaging cyber attacks on governments in recent years underscores the severity of the threat. More importantly, these in-cidents demonstrated that no government agency can singlehandedly overcome or pre-empt the attacks. Only by working together and through informational exchanges can governments lower the risks of becoming victims of cyber attacks. However, there is evidence to suggest that major law enforcement and intelligence agencies around the world either shun cooperation or withhold information on cyber security. To date, few studies have made an in-depth examination of this import-ant and timely issue. This research project aims to make good that deficiency.”

03/08/2015

52 weeks

China and the Middle East: Venturing into the Maelstrom



(Book to be published by Palgrave)

“China’s increasingly significant economic and se-curity interests in the Middle East impact not only its energy security but also its regional posture, relations with regional powers as well as the Unit-ed States and efforts to pacify nationalist and Is-lamist Uighurs in its north-western province of Xin-jiang. Those interests are considerably enhanced by China’s One Belt, One Road. Protecting its mushrooming interests is forcing China to realign its policies and relationships in the region. China feels the pressure to acknowledge that it no lon-ger can remain aloof to the Middle East and North Africa’s multiple conflicts. China’s long-standing insistence on non-interference in the domestic affairs of others and refusal to envision a foreign military presence and its perseverance that its focus is the development of mutually beneficial economic and commercial relations progressively falls short of what it needs to safeguard its vital interests. Increasingly, China will have to become a regional player in competitive cooperation with the United States, the dominant external actor.”

01/05/2015

104 weeks

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Assessing the Datafication of Social Science on Pedagogy and Student Learning – Issues, Debates and Edu-implications


theme General / Country and Region Studies region Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity RSIS

“In the last two decades, the teaching of social science subjects has been dominated by a quan-titative approach in institutes of higher learning in Singapore. How has this “pedagogical turn” impacted student learning? This study examines the effects of this “pedagogical turn” on student learning in the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and Singa-pore Management University. Using a qualitative methodology, this study evaluates the views of a small but select group of interview participants comprised of tenured professors, senior university administrators and key policymakers. The results of this study will be used to develop a set of policy recommendations for public administrators in the local education sector.”

01/01/2016

48 weeks

Cybersecurity by Design – Closing the Semantic Gap between “Hard” and “Soft” Cybersecurity Research


theme Cybersecurity, Biosecurity and Nuclear Safety / Singapore and Homeland Security region Southeast Asia and ASEAN / Global entity RSIS

“The study of cybersecurity is often divided into “hard” and “soft” approaches. Using a qualitative research methodology, this study examines the academic split between “hard” or the engineering/computing approach to cybersecurity research and “soft” or the social science approach to it. It assesses how this research and pedagogical split came into being and the consequences, if any, of this distinction. In particular, this study will attempt to answer if cybersecurity can be enhanced with a holistic rather than the extant approach to the study of this important subject. Data will be drawn from interviews and assessed with standard dis-course analysis. Based on the results, key policy recommendations will also be made.”

01/11/2015

16 weeks

Creating Frankenstein: The Saudi Export of Wahhabism



(Book to be published by Hurst)

“Tension between Middle Eastern regional powers Saudi Arabia and Iran are likely to intensify sec-tarian strains in countries that are home to both Sunni and Shiite Muslim communities. At the heart of the battle between Saudi Arabia and Iran is a four decade-old existential battle for dominance not only in the Middle East and North Africa but in the Muslim world as a whole. It is a battle that started with the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran. Concerned that the Iranian revolution would offer a form of Islamic governance involving a degree of popular sovereignty that would challenge Saudi Arabia’s absolute monarchy which cloaks itself in a puritan interpretation of Islam, the kingdom went on the warpath. In doing so, it turned Wahhabi proselytization into the single largest dedicated public diplomacy campaign in World War Two history, spending up to $100 billion since 1979 on the funding of Muslim cultural institutions across the globe and forging close ties to non-Wahhabi Muslim leaders and intelligence agencies.”

01/10/2015

52 weeks

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Mahathir, Anwar and Malaysia’s Opposition at the Crossroads: Beginning of the End, or a New Beginning?

Mr Yang Razali Kassim Senior Fellow

theme General / Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies region Southeast Asia and ASEAN / East Asia and Pacific / Globalentity RSIS

“To review the prospects for the Malaysian opposi-tion, following the second incarceration of Anwar Ibrahim, and the “reinvention” of Mahathir as a de facto oppositionist leader.. This will paper will include the broader implications on Malaysian pol-itics as a whole, taking into account the turmoil in UMNO as a new factor that will determine whether the Malaysian opposition will evolve or remake itself in unexpected ways.”

02/03/2016

36 weeks

Non-Violent Extremism and Violent Extremism: A Nexus?

Dr Kumar Ramakrishna Associate Professor and Head of Policy Studies

theme Terrorism Studiesregion Globalentity RSIS

“To investigate the links if any between so-called “non-violent” extremism and manifestations of ex-tremist violence. Case studies from the U.K. and Southeast Asia will be explored.”

01/03/2016

24 weeks

Whither Renewable Energy? Falling Crude Oil Prices and Implications for ASEAN Energy Cooperation


theme Country and Region Studies / International Political Economy / Energy Security / Cybersecurity, Biosecurity and Nuclear Safety / Regionalism and Multilateralism region Southeast Asia and ASEAN / Middle East and North Africa (MENA) / Globalentity RSIS

“Crude oil prices fell below US$30 per barrel earlier this year. How has the sustained decline in crude oil prices impacted investment in renewable energy? This quantitative study will assess the correlation between investment in renewable en-ergy and crude oil prices. The aim is to establish if the two have decoupled in recent years through regression analysis. In particular, this study will evaluate the relation between the two at both the global and country level. Regions/countries that are the subject of this study include the U.S., Chi-na, EU and ASEAN. Datasets will be drawn from the UN World Development Indicators, Energy Information Administration and major energy pro-ducers. In addition, reasons behind the results will be examined. Implications for the future of ASEAN cooperation on renewable energy will also be discussed.”

01/01/2016

48 weeks

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Southeast Asia and the Post-Cold War: The First Thirty Years

Dr Ang Cheng Guan Associate Professor and Head of Graduate Studies

theme General / Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / International Political Economy / International Politics and Security / Regionalism and Multilateralism region East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN entity GPO

“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 tar-geted for publication in 2019-2020, a befitting time for reflection and also for looking ahead.”

07/03/2016

144 weeks





07/03/2016

144 weeks





07/03/2016

144 weeks

Research at RSIS · 3/4/2016 · ability to wage war in their transnationalised environment from...

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