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

Today, there is growing consensus that the clean energy transition must go hand in hand with energy security and affordability. Given the role of evolving geopolitical dynamics in shaping the energy supply landscape of the Indo-Pacific which impact production, distribution, and market prices, it is crucial for countries like the Philippines to tackle energy transition… Read More

The Stratbase ADR Institute, in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, held a roundtable discussion on the August 15 Unification Doctrine and International Cooperation at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.   The roundtable discussion welcomed a delegation from the Ministry of Unification from the Republic of Korea. Mr. Seunghee Hwang, Director General for Unification… Read More

The Philippine agricultural sector is crucial for providing livelihoods to millions of Filipinos and ensuring food security. It contributes around 9% to the country’s gross domestic product and employs approximately 18% of the workforce, particularly in rural areas.   However, this vital sector faces significant threats from large-scale smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and other cartel-related activities that… Read More