In the post-World War II era, the ideological battle between the United States and the Soviet Union carved Europe along the Iron Curtain, setting the stage for the Cold War. The establishment of NATO in 1949 marked a pivotal collective defense alliance aimed at deterring Soviet aggression, while the Warsaw Pact mirrored this posture. The…
Indonesia: Little Big Nation In the vast archipelago of Indonesia, comprising over 13,000 islands and diverse ethnic groups, Joko Widodo, commonly known as Jokowi, has emerged as a prominent leader steering the nation away from traditional norms. Rising from humble beginnings, Jokowi’s presidency, which began in 2014, signified a historic departure as the first head…
In response to escalating Chinese aggression at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippines Congress has demonstrated a strong commitment by allocating funds for the establishment of a permanent post at the contested site. Presently, the Philippines Navy maintains a presence on the shoal using the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded landing…
Charles Dickens once wrote, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” capturing the essence of a paradoxical existence. However, for the nation nestled between geopolitical complexities and internal strife, Myanmar’s location serves as a crucible where the season of springs perpetually seems like a distant dream. Navigating the labyrinth of…
In a historical parallel, the tensions in the South China Sea evoke memories of the Cold War era, where geopolitical rivalries often played out in disputed regions. One notable instance occurred during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 when the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a high-stakes standoff over Soviet ballistic missiles…
In 2012, China’s occupation of Scarborough Shoal marked a pivotal moment for the Philippines, triggering consequences that reverberated through its maritime domain. This occasion, characterized with the aid of the depletion of vital fish shares, served as a stark reminder of the multifaceted challenges the island nation faces. Guarding over 7,600 islands in the sprawling…
The Philippines’ historical choice of the United States as a strategic partner is deeply rooted in pivotal moments that have shaped their enduring relationship. From the annals of history, the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898 marked a turning point, leading to the collapse of Spanish colonial rule and the subsequent 48-year period of American…
In 2023, the South China Sea witnessed escalating tensions involving China, the Philippines, and the neighboring nations involving maritime disputes and territorial sovereignty. The Philippines and the United States, through strategic actions, diplomatic engagements, and joint military exercises, maintained regional balance, while a historic visit by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to the Philippines along…
A Brief The Philippines’ response to China’s South China Sea claims involves legal victories, diplomatic pragmatism, military strengthening, and public sentiment. Amid a complex geopolitical backdrop, the dispute centers primarily on potential wealth which the area encases. Legal victories, such as The Hague ruling rejecting China’s “nine-dash line,” claims boost regional confidence. Diplomatically, the Philippines…
An Overview In the geopolitical theater of the East and South China Sea, a chronicle of escalating tensions and geopolitical complexities is unfolding, shaped by historical disputes, military posturing, and the specter of a rising China’s military might. From the early clashes in 1988 to the contemporary challenges in 2023, the maritime disputes have evolved….
