Southeast Asia is an extremely diverse region in terms of cultures and religions. Contemporary southeast asian reality is the result of numerous interactions between different ethnic groups and religions that have taken place throughout history. The nature of the region is also determined by the shape of the terrain and proximity of two civilizations: India and China. The article discusses the sources of civilizational and cultural diversity in Southeast Asia.

The problem of distribution and consumption of intoxicating substances is considered a socially harmful phenomenon and Southeast Asia is a region particularly affected by drugs. In the face of this challenge, the heads of many states undertake radical actions, going beyond the legal framework, referred to as state vigilantism. Based on the example of three selected political leaders (Thaksin Shinawatra, Rodrigo Duterte and Joko Widodo), the author points out how radical strategies for fighting the drug problem contribute to increasing popularity, even though the problem has not been resolved since the early 1970s. Cross-comparison analysis of the three mentioned cases aims at identifying sources of effectiveness and attractiveness of populist methods that have not changed significantly for fifty years. Among them the author argues that vigilantism grows out of populism and takes the form of a spectacle containing such elements as dehumanising discourse, extrajudicial killings and the theme of the nation’s morality at risk.

The complexity and dynamics of contemporary world implies its continuous change. It is characterized by the emergencje of entirely new, unprecedented phenomena that should be identified and understood so modern socjety can react to them accordingly. Among the biggest threats many authors mention terrosim and transnational crime. A major challenge is technological advance as well. The aim of education for security is to prepare the society for potential but unknown threats.

II Asian Congress took place on 21st and 22nd of May, 2015. It was the largest event of its kind in Europe. Once again, it was a great opportunity to meet representatives of science, business and politics who deal with Asian affairs daily. The event appeared to be so spectacular that it was impossible to organize it in one place. Therefore, many panels were held simultaneously in the Kuiavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship Marshall’s Office building, Torun City Council’s building and the Modern Art Centre „Signs of Time”. The event management of this magnitude would not be possible if not for the professional and efficient coordination led by Professor Joanna Marszałek-Kawa and a number of cooperating institutions, such as Asia-Pacific Society, KuiavianPomeranian Voivodeship Marshall’s Office, Torun City Council, and Professor Czesław Mojsiewicz Fund for International Cooperation Support, Eastern Studies Center, Political Science and International Studies Division of NCU.