Civil Society Responses to Extremism in the Philippine Bangsamoro

Civil Society Responses to Extremism in the Philippine Bangsamoro brings together new research and grounded perspectives from scholars and practitioners working in Mindanao to examine how violent and hateful extremism (VHE) takes root, and how it is being addressed.

By adopting an expanded definition of violent extremism that encompasses hate speech and other forms of hate, the book analyzes the interconnectedness of various dimensions of conflict and social harm with violent extremism, and explores the community development strategies that might counter them effectively. Organized into three key themes, the book first examines the historical, political, and multidisciplinary aspects of extremism, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders and the impact of political structures on local peacebuilding efforts. The second theme explores the strategies and empowerment initiatives of CSOs, highlighting empowerment of women, youth, and former combatants to foster peace and security. It then delves into context-specific responses and localized practices, showcasing tailored approaches that address the unique socio-political landscape of Mindanao. Finally, the study addresses academic and practice-oriented perspectives, integrating theoretical insights with practical applications to provide a well-rounded analysis of development responses to extremism.

Supporting those on the ground to understand and support locally led peace and resilience building in the Bangsamoro and other conflict-affected regions, this volume will be of use to scholars, researchers, and postgraduate students in the fields of peace and resilience studies, conflict studies, Asian politics, and Southeast Asian studies.