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Richard Javad Heydarian
Professorial Chairholder in Geopolitics, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Feb 14, 2025
The latest moves by Trump’s administration are a sharp pivot into new, seemingly accommodating foreign policy. Would less U.S. presence around the world embolden China to make aggressive moves into contested spaces?
Jan 27, 2025
A second Trump presidency could disrupt Asia with aggressive tariffs, stricter immigration policies, and heightened geopolitical tensions. While some leaders express cautious optimism, the region faces mounting pressure to align with U.S. interests amid fears of economic fallout, strained alliances, and potential conflicts in key areas like the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
Dec 13, 2024
The West’s dominating influence around the world has come under heavy scrutiny as open conflicts rage on in Europe and the Middle East. Does this year’s BRICS Summit, hosted in Russia, represent an inflection point in the global community’s tolerance for U.S.-led order?
Oct 18, 2024
The Philippines continues to be a magnet for tension in the Indo-Pacific due to its advantageous maritime geography and close relationship to the United States. Could this lead to a Cuban missile crisis for the 21st Century?
Sep 30, 2024
President Joe Biden recently hosted Quad leaders to celebrate their cooperation while raising concerns about rising tensions with China. Despite initiatives aimed at countering China's influence, India's growing assertiveness may lead it to distance itself from the Quad, creating uncertainties about the alliance's future amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Sep 21, 2024
China wields the largest naval capacity in Asia, and has shown no qualms about deploying it to contest waters in its vicinity. The Philippines sitting so near China have faced the brunt of China’s aggressive actions, and must navigate the situation with great strategic acumen.
Aug 30, 2024
The Philippines latest round of talks with the U.S. seems to give the impression of a strong shift toward alignment with American interests, but closer examination reveals a pragmatic approach by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to playing the U.S. against overtures from neighboring China.
Jul 26, 2024
The Philippines is at a crucial juncture right now, as the U.S. and China jockey for influence over the strategic waters surrounding the nation. Under new leadership favoring the West, the Philippines risks entangling itself in an escalating struggle between the two global powers.
May 24, 2024
Amid a shifting foreign policy in the Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., maritime tensions in the South China Sea have escalated, prompting the Philippines to join the newly-formed Quadrilateral security grouping, dubbed the 'Squad,' to intensify security cooperation. While Marcos Jr. emphasizes diplomatic solutions, tensions persist due to opposing interpretations of past agreements with China, potentially complicating regional dynamics.
Apr 30, 2024
The Philippines under Duterte shifted toward a more neutral position between the U.S. and China, but now under the leadership of Marcos Jr, a more U.S. friendly approach has given rise to more flashpoint issues concerning the Philippines accommodations of U.S. military.