Republic of the Philippines-United States Defense Cooperation Opportunities and Challenges, a Filipino Perspective

This paper examines defense cooperation between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America as a function of four driving forces: (1) historical ties, (2) established military engagement frameworks, (3) enduring common interests and threats, and (4) the priorities and style of leadership of the American chief executive. When all these elements are taken into consideration, they create opportunities and at the same time pose challenges to R.P.-U.S. defense cooperation. The author argues that among the four elements, the agenda and style of leadership of the American chief executive is the most varying. Yet, it is also the one that most strongly influences the opportunities and challenges related to specific kinds and the pace of continued defense cooperation for the Republic of the Philippines and the United States. He concludes that the change of emphasis and specific agenda of the Obama administration potentially ushers in new prospects for the alliance if those involved in R.P.-U.S. defense cooperation work towards maximizing the opportunities and reducing the challenges.