Philippine History and State, Institutions and Decision-making Processes in Foreign Policy

We have tackled two of the most important things that a citizen, more particularly a Filipino citizen must know regarding his country as a participant exercising rights after the day we have achieved independence through the decisions and actions of all the people whether we consider them a hero or a political leader. These are the Philippine History and the Philippine Constitution.

The discussion of the history started from the rise of the 19th Century Nationalism to the tragedy of Martial Law. As far as I can remember, it was three years ago when I last heard the term "ilustrados". It was about the Filipino nationals specifically the elite people who went out of the country because the educations system in the Philippines before was so limited that they cannot learn many important things, the same system that the China has at present. They have different level of censorship also since they are not allowed to access all websites, information is also limited. Another interesting topic was the time when the Americans entered the Philippines. When the US troops arrived in the Philippines, they established military installations. Why did they do that? What I know is that they see Philippines as a strategic location in the Asia Pacific Region, wherein both countries benefit but the questionable part is that; "Did they establish it to protect the Philippines or to protect their own nationals?" Or are they trying to secure the country for their resources?" Another reason is to spy on other neighboring countries like Vietnam. It is also interesting to know whether the relationship of the two countries is a give and take or a love-hate. It is like asking the Americans. "Do you love the Philippines because you need us?" "Do you hate Philippines that you do things that makes Filipinos blind in order for them not to see your real agenda?" or maybe, they are just really like that? Whatever the relationship is, what I know is that they are not on equal footing. Overall, I can say that I have learned so many thing. I am just looking forward for more discussion especially on the unfamiliar concepts given to us like "Pan-Asianism", "East-Asia Community" and "Flying Geese Theory".

The best part in the session? When miss opened the topic about our new president!:-p

Political Stability or Political Disorder

Even before taking PHIFOCY, I already have an idea about realism, liberalism and constructivism because these three theories were discussed by my professor in INTRELA but applying these three on the issues like 9/11 is what I don’t know. Theories in IR are very important because it provides us further explanations on the real and critical issues happening around the world. One theory differs from another theory, one country may not easily adapt the system of government that another country has and this is what the two articles; One World, Rival Theories by Jack Snyder and One World, Many Theories by Stephen Walt have introduced and explained.

First, in the realist theory what I only know is the importance of power in all states. Yes, every state desire to gain more power and to have control over other states, this competition may create large gaps between states which may eventually lead to wars that can cause a lot of casualties; this is what we call “security dilemma”. It states that if all states are powerful then all states can be a threat to your country as well.

Second theory is the liberalist theory which focuses on the economic interdependence of the states and the spread of the democracy. If in realism, it is only the state who acts on everything as the unitary, principal and rational actors, in liberalism the non-state actors play a very important role because they are responsible for economic integration which is also in the interest of the state.

Last is the constructivist theory, where the ideologies, norms and culture play a major role in world politics. It keeps on analyzing and criticizing other ideas and theories without producing anything. In short, there is no assurance on the learning it provides for the states follow their own interest in the end.

After three hours of listening to my classmates and my professor, I have gained an additional information that I can use to my other subjects and which I can apply to different issues that have been happening at present just like what have been discussed in our class, the never-ending conflict between South Korea and North Korea, the countries that protect territorial integration as well as the competition over territories and one of the best example mentioned was the South China Sea and even if many countries claim it, China is still has the strongest claim for this because of the “Middle Kingdom” basis which is considered a historical argument.

I thought of all the three theories, liberalism is the most acceptable theory because of the assumption it has. One of the best example that contradicts the statement "democracies don't fight each other" would be the 9/11 attack. I thought if two countries are democratic, there is a less chance of getting into war but I was wrong. The democratic idea fuels political conflicts no matter how long-established the democracies because, usually, a large gap separates democratic ideas and the actual functioning of democratic political institutions. Thus, even in countries with impressive histories of democratic institutions, citizens may invoke the democratic idea to demand that their government be more responsible and accountable.

If there is one question that I would want to be answered it would be whether democratic institutions contribute to political stability or on the contrary, to political disorder?

Expectations...

What are your expectations? This is the usual question being raised by my professor every first day of classes. My first week in school will not be complete without hearing this question. But every time I hear this, I always answer "I want to learn more in an easier approach". But I have realized one thing, "Gaining something without experiencing pain is not a success at all" because you will never exactly know who you are if no one will make an effort to help you experience challenges.

I have been studying for almost 15 years but learning for me is not as easy as A-B-C and this is the reason why until now, I always make sure that I have with me the triple P's: perseverance, patience and prayers. Being a CDA student is one of the most challenging responsibilities I have to carry with pride. Honestly speaking, I really don't like this course. In short, for 15 years, I have been forcing myself to love something I hate for 3 years since I entered college life at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. But who will I blame? My mother who chose this course for me? The best thing that I can do now is to do all the tasks that a typical college student should do. Lessons, quizzes, exams, recitations, assignments, learning logs and a lot more will not be easy for as long as I know how my A.W.I.T. (ability, willingness, interest and time) can help me accomplish things successfully.

I am hoping that this term, will be the most meaningful term because of PHIFOCY. I pray that my professor can deliver all the information I will need as I take another chapter of my life after college. Lastly, I am looking forward to pass this subject because passing this subject under Ms. Christine dela Cruz is another achievement since I have been hearing news from other CDA students that it is not easy to be under this professor but on the positive note, I always here them saying "but you will learn a lot". For me, that is the most important thing, to learn.

:D