The emergence of China and its increasing role in the region have prompted a blend of anticipation and unease among Southeast Asian countries. Although the region has benefitted from China’s economic growth, its militarization of the South China Sea and its expansive economic agenda under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), among others, have raised… Read More

Dr. Renato de Castro, Trustee and Program Convenor, Stratbase ADR Institute Prior to the global outbreak of COVID-19, US-China relations had been in a state of dramatic change. At the onset of his term, President Donald Trump had described China and Russia as “rival powers” — that seek to challenge American influence, values, and wealth.… Read More

It is with pleasure that we share with you free access to Stratbase ADR Institute’s Special Study entitled, “The Challenge of Managing 21st Century Pandemics amidst the U.S.-China Strategic Competition,” written by Dr. Renato de Castro, Trustee and Convenor of our National Security and East Asian Affairs Program. The paper argues that the current pandemic… Read More

Paco A. Pangalangan, Executive Director, Stratbase ADR Institute The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on the economy. A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed that unemployment reached a record-high of 45.5% in July of this year. The SWS also found that 2 in 5 Filipinos believe that the country’s economy will only become… Read More

Prof. Dindo Manhit, President, Stratbase ADR Institute Just recently, Transparency International Philippines (TI), one of the leading civil society actors advocating good governance and accountability, celebrated 25 years of anticorruption work in the Philippines. Together with the Stratbase ADR Institute, a virtual town hall discussion was held to highlight the emerging pandemic of corruption and… Read More

Dr. Francisco Magno, Trustee and Program Convenor, Stratbase ADR Institute The eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic brought to the fore the severe corruption vulnerabilities in the health sector. Globally, over US$ 7.5 trillion are allocated annually for public health. However, even before the pandemic, it is estimated that the leakage from corruption amounted to 10-25%… Read More

Prof. Dindo Manhit, President, Stratbase ADR Institute Congress’ ratification of the bicameral conference report on the Bayanihan to Recover as One bill or Bayanihan 2, which contains the P165-billion stimulus package, is seen by many Filipinos as a source of both hope and apprehension. While some people are optimistic that the additional funds will make… Read More