Democracy and Charisma: A Dangerous Liaison

Democracy in the Era of Charismatic Politics in India and the Philippines Talk delivered to audiences in Canberra, Perth, and Melbourne during a book promotion tour, November 26-December 10, 2019. The title of my talk is “Democracy in the Era of Charismatic Politics...
China: An Imperial Power in the Image of the West?

China: An Imperial Power in the Image of the West?

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Focus is releasing a comprehensive study that seeks to answer the question: Is China an imperial power in the image of the West in its relationship with the global south? Over...
Paper Dragons: China and the Next Crash

Paper Dragons: China and the Next Crash

 Emerging relatively unscathed from the banking crisis of 2008, China has been viewed as a model of both rampant success and fiscal stability. But beneath the surface lies a network of fissures that look likely to erupt into the next big financial crash. A bloated...
Counterrevolution: The Global Rise of the Far Right

Counterrevolution: The Global Rise of the Far Right

The far right is on the rise. The rhetoric of anger and resentment is emanating from personalities like Donald Trump, Marine Le Pen, Rodrigo Duterte and Viktor Orban and is captivating and mobilizing large numbers of people. In an increasing number of countries, the...

When we defied China

originally published by Rappler.com On July 19, 2011, three of my colleagues in Congress and I landed on Pag-asa Island in the Spratlys. Our mission: affirm our country’s sovereignty over nine islands and maritime formations in our possession amidst China’s...