In recent years, the international security environment has experienced profound changes, shaped by evolving geopolitical dynamics, technological innovations, and shifts in global leadership. The last Trump administration (2017-2021) introduced significant adjustments to US foreign and defense policies, influencing its relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific. With the Trump administration making a comeback for 2025, there are anticipated effects on US commitments to regional security alliances with the Philippines and Japan—will there be continuity or change? 

Against this backdrop, coupled with escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea and East China Sea, opportunities for trilateral collaboration among the US, Japan, and the Philippines are abound. The strategic importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and securing trade routes remains of utmost urgency and the roles of the QUAD, and other multilateral frameworks will likewise be fundamental.  

Furthermore, addressing non-traditional security threats such as cyberattacks, transnational crime, and climate challenges currently enveloping the Indo-Pacific are additional imperatives to strengthen regional norms and institutions to tackle collective challenges. 

Considering this, the Stratbase Institute, in partnership with the Japan Foundation Manila, hosted an event titled, “Navigating Shifting Tides: Security Challenges and Strategic Opportunities for the Philippines, Japan, and the US in the New Trump Administration.“ The event was held on 07 March 2025 (Friday), from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (PHT) at the East & West Room, Manila Golf & Country Club, Makati City. 

The lecture, featuring American, Japanese, and Filipino experts, fostered a deeper understanding of the shared security risks and opportunities for the Philippines, Japan, and US in the context of the new-Trump administration. By examining geopolitical, economic, and defense-related dimensions, it deepened our understanding of security policy of each country and outline practical strategies for strengthening trilateral and multilateral security cooperation.