The Philippines: From 'People Power' to Democratic Backsliding

The Philippines' democratic narrative was upended by Rodrigo Duterte's strongman rule, suggesting democratic backsliding will persist. A structuralist account of the country's oligarchical democracy offers a plausible explanation of repeated crises, but underplays agency. Strategic groups have pushed back against executive aggrandizement, and presidential power and elite pushback are examined, as is the reliance on political violence and the instrumentalization of mass poverty. These factors have recurrently combined to lead to the fall, restoration, and now steep decline of democracy in the Philippines.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Philippines experienced a significant shift in its political landscape when strongman Rodrigo R. Duterte assumed power in 2016, challenging the narrative of democracy and good governance that had emerged following the 1986 People Power uprising against Ferdinand E. Marcos. Duterte's presidency was marked by authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights abuses, leading to widespread criticism and international concern. However, his son, Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., successfully won the 2022 presidential election, portraying his father's authoritarian rule as a "golden age" and suggesting that democratic backsliding will persist in the country.

A structuralist account of the inherent instability of the Philippines' oligarchical democracy offers a plausible explanation for repeated crises in the country. However, it underplays the agency of strategic groups and individuals who have pushed back against executive aggrandizement. Presidential power and elite pushback are examined as key factors contributing to the fall, restoration, and now steep decline of democracy in the Philippines.

The reliance on political violence and the instrumentalization of mass poverty have also played a significant role in shaping the country's political landscape. These factors have recurrently combined to lead to the fall, restoration, and now steep decline of democracy in the Philippines.

The challenges facing the Philippines are complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive and sustained effort to address them. This includes promoting political stability, combating corruption, upholding human rights, and fostering economic development. It is essential to recognize that the road to democracy is not always linear, and that setbacks and challenges are inevitable. However, by working together and committed to the principles of democracy, the Philippines can overcome its current political crisis and build a more prosperous and inclusive future for its citizens.

Weight: 142g
Dimension: 151 x 230 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009398480