The final security challenge I would like to talk about is terrorism. The security challenge of terrorism has not only been considered in Southeast Asia, however it is a global issue affecting all countries. After 9/11, the main challenge of terrorism is its increasingly transnational organization and the fact that it is often directed against “soft” and civilian targets, inflicts unacceptable damage and threatens the credibility of governments in protecting their populations (Tellis, 2004:41). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay For example, international terrorist groups, such as al Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), and some acts of terrorism have occurred in the region, such as in Bali (October 2002), Jakarta (August 2003 and September 2004), and in the Philippines (February 2003 and February 2004). Furthermore, there are 200 million Muslims living in the Southeast Asia region. With the recent rise in Islamic terrorism, such as ISIS and al Qaeda, there is some concern that Southeast Asia could become a base for Islamic terrorism. Although it has been said that Islam in the Southeast Asian region has a tolerant, moderate and peaceful character, it is different from the Islam of the Middle East which prefers more doctrinal varieties, and this is undoubtedly the case. However, it soon became clear that the region was vulnerable to invasion by violent Muslim militants, as evidenced by the discovery of al Qaeda-affiliated networks in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore (Oct,2006). It is obvious that Southeast Asia has made a lot of progress since the end of the Cold War, for example with the creation of ASEAN, which strengthened bilateral military cooperation in this region, as well as its rapid economic development subsequently brought stability to ASEAN countries. Without colonial power, countries begin to establish their own economy, politics, and future. However, perhaps because of the fragile democratization and political system, some new security challenges have still emerged in Southeast Asia in the post-Cold War era. As I mentioned above, for example, Rohingya human security challenges have occurred in Myanmar; challenges to maritime security, piracy, maritime terrorism, human trafficking and IUU fishing violations, as well as the maritime area issue in the Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea; finally, the issue of security from terrorism, the local terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and transnational terrorism. Unlike the Cold War era, without the presence of the great powers that occupied the region, there are fears that if Southeast Asia fails to adequately address the problems, the challenges could lead to the collapse of some countries in the region. However, according to Professor Sheldon Simon, who has been writing on Asian security for over 40 years, ASEAN is pursuing a strategy of engagement in the 21st century, bringing the great powers (United States, China, India, Japan and Europe) into the Union) in Southeast Asia Political and Economic Discussions (2014). Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Based on this information, it appears that ASEAN's strategy is to invite external powers to help them deal with problems. And in my opinion, with the growing status of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, it is possible that external powers will return and contribute to the future improvement of regional security challenges..