The intensified rivalry between the United States and China has put small states like the Philippines in a precarious position, given its relative importance in the regional geo-strategy of both big powers.
Since foreign and security policymaking tend to be formulated in a top-down manner, existing analyses have not paid sufficient attention to what extent this big-power competition has affected local political dynamics and local governance.
Aries A. Arugay is Visiting Senior Fellow and Coordinator of the Philippine Studies Programme, ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore and Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines in Diliman.
Miguel Antonio V. Hermo is a graduate student in the Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines in Diliman.
Edcel John A. Ibarra is Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines in Diliman.
Aletheia Kerygma B. Valenciano is Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines in Diliman.
