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… Read More
The Philippines remains the country most at-risk of extreme natural disasters according to the World Risk Index 2024, highlighting the nation’s continuing struggle against the impacts of climate change. Seventy-four percent of the population is vulnerable to climate-induced hazards, which threaten economic growth, social development, and the overall well-being of citizens and ecosystems. These alarming… Read More
Corruption within the government remains a pressing concern for Filipinos, as highlighted by a Pulse Asia survey conducted from November 26 to December 3, 2024. Consequently, an overwhelming 90% of Filipinos assert that government officials involved in corruption must be held accountable. Moreover, with the upcoming 2025 elections, 41% of Filipinos believe that addressing corruption… Read More
Under the Marcos Jr. administration, the Philippines has shifted its focus from internal to external security in response to the increasing aggression in the West Philippine Sea. Central to this transformation is the implementation of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the adoption of key legislation such… Read More
Stratbase Institute, together with Institut français des relations internationals (ifri), released a study entitled, “The Case for Enhanced France-Philippines Maritime Cooperation.” This paper was authored by Rear Admiral Jose Renan Suarez (Ret.), former Commander of the Naval Education and Training Command of the Philippine Navy, and Ms. Céline Pajon, a researcher in charge of Japan… Read More
Japan and the Philippines have striking geopolitical similarities: both are archipelagic nations with export-oriented economies, strategically positioned along the First Island Chain in the Indo-Pacific. Both nations also face a common challenge at sea. Since the issuance of the Arbitral Tribunal’s award regarding the disputes between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic… Read More
A recent senior study group report published by the United States Institute for Peace (USIP) identifies the growing threat that PRC-origin transnational criminal networks targeting Southeast Asia pose to regional, global and U.S. national security. These criminal actors have established industrial-scale scam compounds, often using forced labor, leading to an annual loss of nearly US$64… Read More
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