The administration of former Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III pursued a policy of “lay[ing] the groundwork for a potential web of inter-locking strategic partnerships” (Philippine NSC 2011, 29), essentially “expand[ing]... defense and security engagements” (Del Rosario 2013a) with other countries apart from the United States. The Aquino government broadened relations with other nations, including Japan, the country’s first strategic partner. This study aims to determine the conditions under which small powers undertake strategic partnerships. Focusing on the Philippines- Japan strategic partnership, this study argues that the said partnership is driven by the need to support the current international order, promote capacity-building, and enhance the existing multilateral architecture.
Bionote
Mico A. Galang (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) is a researcher at the National Defense College of the Philippines. He is also a lecturer at the Department of Political Science of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), and at the Department of International Studies of De La Salle University (DLSU). He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UST, and graduated from the University of the Philippines-Diliman with a Master in International Studies.
Article Info
Type of Manuscript: Article Volume, Issue, Year: Volume 58, Issue 1, Year 2022 Pages: 37–68 URL: https://asj.upd.edu.ph/index.php/archive/20-58-1-2022/175-security-pursuits-small-power-philippines-japan-strategic-partnership
