Radicalization and Recruitment Process of the Insurgent Group: A Case Study of BRN

Abstract

This research aims to study radicalization and recruitment process of Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani or BRN. It is qualitative research adopting documentary research, focus group, and in-depth interview. The results of this research show that 1) the BRN adjusts strategy from the seven-step plan toward more political movements and struggles, both domestically and internationally, especially peace dialogues in the international arena 2) in the recruitment phase, the BRN members act as spotters to induce youths with positive characteristics such as students with high GPA, neat and nice behavior, and leadership 3) in the radicalization phase, concepts and ideologies especially history, historical issues, and ethno-nationalism are emphasized and reproduced along with military practices 4) in planning and operation phase, youths who pass military practice must launch the operations in order to prevent them from escaping or abandoning the organization. The last part of this article provides policy recommendations for the government.