Human Security Approach to Counter Extremism in South Asia: Relevance of Japanese Culture

Positioned at the intersection of security studies and cultural policy, this collection argues that counter-extremism must be rooted in human security and community resilience rather than only coercive tools. Drawing insights from Japanese practices—social harmony, civics education, neighbourhood associations, and disaster-ready community organizing—the chapters consider which norms and mechanisms travel well to South Asian contexts and which do not. Contributors trace drivers of violent extremism across identity politics, economic exclusion, information disorder and local grievances. They evaluate prevention through education reforms, youth skills and arts programs, credible religious and civic voices, and localized dispute resolution. The volume stresses institutional humility: programs must be co-designed with communities, measured against outcomes (reduced recruitment, improved trust), and protected by rights-respecting policing. Case studies from Bangladesh and the wider region show how municipal platforms, women’s leadership, and school-to-work pathways shrink the opportunity space for recruiters. By reframing counter-extremism as the protection and expansion of everyday freedoms, the book offers a pragmatic playbook for governments and civil society.