Introduction

Abstract

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book analyzes irregular forces in the new democracies in Southeast Asia. It llustrates cases where different forms of irregular forces contribute, in their own way, to maintain security in their communities while retaining the use of violence to a lesser degree. The book discusses the issues and problems through which people try to understand the behavior of irregular forces. It also discusses that post-conflict irregular forces tend to be treated as one loose armed group that fights against either the regular forces or legitimate statutory forces The book illustrates how irregular forces undergo any of the suggested three pathways in a changing political milieu. It analyzes the cases of illegitimate actions of non-state violent groups in Southeast Asian states. The book analyzes the existing violent groups in Indonesia.