Gray zone activities are performed by states to assert their power and influence while remaining below the threshold of what could be considered acts of war. As it stands below the threshold of conflict, gray zone tactics challenge current policies and push states to realign strategies that can effectively counter these operations. Those on the receiving side of these aggressive acts must calibrate an appropriate, commensurate, and effective response that is cautiously complex. Read More

When one state sends dozens of vessels into another country’s territory or points a military-grade laser at the other country’s coast guard, these are definitely not acts of peace. Still, they fall below the threshold of what would be deemed acts of war. They are, instead, within the realm of the gray zone. Read More

Last month’s official visit of President Marcos Jr. to Japan affirmed our two countries’ closeness and like-mindedness. We have a common vision and goal: A strong, resilient Indo-Pacific region where the rule of law prevails, and where rogue, aggressive, and irrational acts have no place. Read More

The current geopolitical situation in our part of the world is complex and precarious. Every day, there are developments that make us a little bit more uneasy. In February, a Chinese vessel pointed a military-grade laser at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). And then, just this weekend, PCG personnel stationed in Pag-asa Island — the largest in the Kalayaan Group of Islands — reported more than 40 Chinese vessels anchored within 4.5 miles to eight miles from the island shores, clearly within Pag-asa’s 12-nautical mile territorial sea. Read More

The Stratbase ADR Institute, together with with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Philippines, believes it is critical to discuss and analyze the threat of gray zone operations and their implications for the current regional security landscape, as well as potential countermeasures.

The event sought to bring together government officials, the diplomatic community, scholars, and policy experts in an in-person discussion to engage in dialogue and share recommendations on the threats and uncertainty of gray zone operations to Philippine national security. Read More

With more security challenges on the horizon, the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan remains strong, based on cooperation in achieving Indo-Pacific peace and stability. While both countries deal with their own maritime issues, Japan has consistently backed the Philippines’ 2016 arbitral victory in the West Philippine Sea. In addition, with the Philippines’ strong alliance with the United States and partnership with Japan, a trilateral security cooperation among them is proposed in the form of joint military exercises and humanitarian assistance and disaster response cooperation. This further strengthens cooperation among states amid the region’s complex security environment.

Through this event, the Institute seeks to provide a platform for experts and scholars to share their assessments and recommendations on the Philippines’ independent foreign policy under the Marcos Jr. administration as well as the country’s diplomatic ties with Japan and the United States. Read More

All our efforts to achieve economic growth and create wealth will amount to nothing if we leave behind depleted resources and a damaged environment for future generations.

In fact, we are already feeling the effects of this: climate change is taking its toll on the world’s most vulnerable countries, and, within those countries, the most vulnerable communities. In terms of plastic pollution, the Philippines is the third-largest contributor to plastic waste worldwide. Read More