With ad-Dawla al-Islamiyyah fi al-Iraq wa as-Sham (Daesh, or the “Islamic State of Iraq and as-Sham,” ISIS) acquiring territory in Iraq and Syria and their unprec- edented ability to recruit individuals to join their fight, the need to develop bet- ter counter-terrorism approaches, strategies, policies and programs is more relevant and pressing than ever. International organizations and governments are grappling with the complex challenges of developing better and more co- ordinated responses to groups such as Daesh, as well as defining methods to prevent further radicalization and recruitment or the emergence of new violent extremism and terrorism. As the attacks in January 2016 in Jakarta, Indonesia show, the effects of international and local violent extremists on South East Asia continue to influence the security frameworks of individual countries and the region as a whole.

The aim of this compendium is to provide guidance and insight for practitioners, policymakers, governments and civil society organizations in South East Asia that are interested in developing counter-narratives and alternative narratives to the messaging produced by violent extremists. The compendium will draw on international good practice and lessons learned to inform and inspire these actors to utilize the most effective methods and strategies.