In response to a spate of recent Islamic State attacks, countries throughout the world have tabled tougher anti-terrorism laws, including Malaysia’s own National Security Council Act. Politicians and public opinion in the US, Europe, Russia and many other nations have called for more military action and other drastic measures, but could these policies paradoxically aid IS recruiters, by creating more alienated and disenfranchised Muslim youths?

We reflect how the calls for increased surveillance, restrictions on immigrants and military strategies to counter the Islamic State menace, must be balanced with efforts to tackle the underlying social problems and instability, which had enabled IS to take a foothold in Syria, Libya, Iraq and other countries.

This report is by Jason Lim.