Publication

This paper examines the impact of islamization on the conflicts in southern Thailand and the southern Philippines. By analyzing the ideological context, nature, character, expression, and trajectory of the two conflicts, the author argues that both conflicts are ethno-nationalist in character and thus share little ground with broader Jihadist and Islamist movements. The paper states that the appearance of Islamic extremism in both conflicts is explained by the failure of secular nationalism in achieving their ends of rebellion and the resultant search for alternative impetus.