The Stratbase Institute for Strategic and International Studies (Stratbase Institute) is an independent, international research organization dedicated to advancing strategic insights and policy solutions to address the complex challenges facing the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region. With a focus on fostering collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based analysis, the Institute serves as a thought leader in shaping national, regional, and global policy landscapes.

The Latest from the Stratbase Institute

Thinking Beyond Politics

Stratbase Institute President Professor Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit was invited to a private roundtable discussion with Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson.  Together, they discussed the Philippines’ defense, security, foreign, and economic policies.   Stratbase remains committed to promoting partnerships with like-minded countries such as Sweden, particularly as defense and economic cooperation between Sweden and the Philippines continues to grow, including Sweden’s… Read More

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Stratbase Group Founder and CEO Prof. Dindo Manhit was visited by a delegation of think tanks from Ukraine to discuss the current geopolitical situation in the Indo-Pacific region and how Ukraine and the Philippines can work together to maintain a prosperous and peaceful region.  Led by former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, the meeting was also joined by Dr.… Read More

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The Stratbase Institute held the virtual launch of the book Mandalas of Multialignment: Hedging Bets in Southeast Asia Grand Strategy Spheres, Foreign and Security Policy Webs, and Global Geopolitics and Geoeconomics. Authored by Stratbase Institute Non-Resident Fellow Dr. Prashanth Parameswaran, the book presents a new connective approach to analyzing Southeast Asia’s alignment shifts in grand strategy and foreign and security policy.  In… Read More

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Stratbase Institute President and CEO Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit delivered a lecture on “Narrative Framing and Strategic Communication” to the class of the National Defense College of the Philippines’ (NDCP) Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) Regular Course 62 at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.   The MNSA is a graduate program under the NDCP that prepares senior military… Read More

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Stratbase Institute President and CEO Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit attended the Bastille Day celebration upon the invitation of the Ambassador of France to the Philippines, H.E. Marie Fontanel. In her remarks, Ambassador Fontanel highlighted the deepening relations between France and the Philippines. She underscored the significance of the signing of the Status of Visiting… Read More

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During his opening remarks at the Stratbase Institute Conference, “A Decade of the Arbitral Award: Credible Deterrence in Defense of the West Philippine Sea,” held on July 10, 2026, at The Peninsula Manila, Stratbase Institute President Prof. Dindo Manhit presented a video montage honoring the friends and partners who have supported the 2016 Arbitral Award through the years.  The tribute highlighted the collective… Read More

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The high-level conference wrapped up with a panel on promoting a whole-of-society approach to defending the West Philippine Sea, moderated by Ms. Jannette Arceo. Speakers included Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, Bishop of Kalookan and former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines; Hon. Beltsazar Alindogan, Municipal Mayor of Kalayaan, Palawan; RADM Jay Tarriela, Spokesperson for… Read More

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The afternoon session, “Strengthening Defense Cooperation Among Like-Minded States,” highlighted how the Philippines’ expanding network of defense partnerships with like-minded states is crucial to securing the West Philippine Sea. It underscored how these partnerships, demonstrated through joint exercises, support for defense modernization, and enhanced maritime domain awareness, contribute to building credible deterrence and advancing shared commitments to… Read More

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Since 2016, the Stratbase Institute has worked to ensure that the Arbitral Award remains central to national and regional discourse, even during periods when advancing this cause was particularly challenging and few were willing to do so.  As part of its continuing advocacy, the Institute convened yesterday a high-level forum entitled “A Decade of the Arbitral Award: Credible Deterrence in Defense of the West… Read More

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Stratbase Institute President and CEO Prof. Dindo Manhit, together with Stratbase Group COO Mr. RP Manhit, met with Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs SHIMADA Tomoaki, a member of the House of Representatives from the Liberal Democratic Party, for a dinner meeting at New World Makati.  The dinner was also attended by Stratbase Institute Non-Resident Fellows RADM Rommel Jude G. Ong… Read More

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Stratbase Institute President and CEO Prof. Dindo Manhit participated as a panelist in the National West Philippine Sea Summit at Conrad Manila during the discussion, “Reconciling National Security and Foreign Policy.”  The panel explored how diplomacy, defense, national security, and public communication can work together more effectively to protect the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine… Read More

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Stratbase Institute President and CEO Prof. Dindo Manhit attended the National West Philippine Sea Summit at Conrad Manila, as Stratbase Institute, one of the event’s partner institutions, joined stakeholders in commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. Prof. Manhit also serves as Vice Chair of the WPS Foundation. During the… Read More

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