Philippines: Global Challenges of the 21st Century - Research Paper Example

Philippines: Global Challenges of the 21st Century Introduction Philippines is a densely populated Southeast Asian country which gained independence in1946 after the defeat of Japanese forces by the Allied troops in the Second World War. The country is a democracy with a presidential form of government. Philippines enjoys good relations with United States, Middle East, and China. The country also has good ties with the neighboring countries. The focus of Philippines is currently to tread on the path of economic growth and also industrialization in recent years has made manufacturing and service grow more as compared to agriculture. In this paper, a discussion will be made on the recent history and geographic influence of the country. Current political and economic status of the country will be elucidated and conclusions will be drawn about the challenges the country is facing in the 21st century. Recent History and Geographic Influence Philippines was occupied by the United States in the early 20h century when United States bought the islands from Spain. The country was a battle ground in the Second World War and suffered heavy losses at the hands of Japanese army (Rottmman, 2002). The war crimes and atrocities by the Japanese army during the war are still remembered and bear influence on the culture of the country. After the independence Philippines faced serious problems as the country had to rebuild significantly after the war. The country also went through turbulent political situations with coups and marshal laws after its independence. In 1986, after more than a decade democracy returned in Philippines and some economic growth was experienced (Gargan, 1997). The country is compromised of many islands and therefore the country’s international relations are based on trade relations with other countries. With an export oriented economy the country attempts to keep peaceful relations with its neighbors now, although it has previously experienced tensions with neighbors. The country is also mineral rich with significant gold and copper deposits although they go largely untapped (Greenlees, 2008). The geographic influence of the country in the region is strong due to its growing economy. Current Economic Status The current economic system of the country is based on international trade. The country is currently treading on the paths of industrialization and there is a transition from agriculture to manufacturing sector (Balisacan & Hill, 2003). The cheap labor of the country has given it an edge in many industries like clothing, electronics, and semiconductor. Philippines is yet to have a sophisticated industry like that of Taiwan and South Korea, and therefore the country mainly deals in capital intensive industries. Remittances that come from the 11 million countrymen living in different parts of the world are also a major source of income for the country (US Department of State, 2009). The trade based economic system is influenced by the culture and history of the country. The country is compromised of many Islands and therefore offers great trade opportunities. This was also the reason why Philippines served as an attraction for colonial powers. The trade opportunities that the islands offered were immense. Colonial powers also heavily traded through the islands. The present economic system can be seen as an extension of history and this is how the current economic system is influenced by history. The culture of the country is highly influenced by Spanish and American cultures which make these countries natural trading partners. Philippines is culturally close to these countries and can also offer them capital intensive goods at cheaper rates. Understanding of the cultures of America and Spanish allows the country to produce goods matching the demand of these countries. This is how culture influences the present economic system of the country. Current Political Status Currently the President of the country is Benigno S. Aquino III, who was elected in 2010 (CBC, 2010). The country has a presidential form of government where the president is elected by public votes. The current President of the country is from the Liberal party. The present of government of the country is trying to build the economy of the country. It is also trying to establish good ties with neighboring countries as well as other trading partners like China and United States. Current political system is also aiming to reduce the corruption in the country which has long plagued governmental institutions. Despite stability in the political system, the government is still currently fighting against domestic insurgencies. Present government of Philippines is also trying to attract foreign direct investment in the country. With the efforts of the current government of the country, Philippines has been able to win a good credit rating from rating agencies (BBC, 2012). This shows that present government has prioritized economic growth. Analysis and Conclusion The most important challenge for the Philippines is currently to continue its economic growth and ensure the protection of rights of its 11 million residents working abroad. The country is paving the path for more rapid industrialization and it is vital that economic growth is sustainable. The workers abroad are also a very good source of revenues for the government and therefore it is a challenge for the country to protect its workers so that a continuous stream of remittances is maintained. Another challenge for the country is to secure itself from terrorism and to ensure that its land is not being used for terrorism. The country also has to find peaceful resolution to its ongoing insurgency issues. The insurgencies have historical roots and therefore they might not be easy to suppress. Different countries had a hold in the country and therefore a strong national identity and image is yet to be found by the countrymen. The biggest challenge for Philippines would be to build a national image so that it can put an end to insurgencies and terrorism threat forever. This would also dissolve the threat of local lands being used by terrorist. Global community also believes that preservation and development of democracy is a challenge for Philippines (Lum, 2012). The democratic institutions are not very strong because of the many coups and insurgencies. It is therefore important for the country to strengthen its democratic roots. For any economic progress it is important for Philippines to make sure that democracy continues to function in its fullest form and coups are avoided. This is a big challenge for the country. References Balisacan, A. & Hill, H. (2003). The Philippine Economy: Development, Policies, and Challenges. Oxford: Oxford University Press BBC News. (2012). Philippines credit rating upgraded to a nine-year high. Retrieved on July 09, 2012 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18718090 CBC News. (2010). Philippines' new president Aquino sworn in. Retrieved on July 09, 2012 from http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2010/06/30/philippines-aquino-election-sworn-in.html Gargan, E. (1997). Last Laugh for the Philippines; Onetime Joke Economy Avoids Much of Asia's Turmoil. New York Times. Retrieved on July 09, 2012 from http://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/11/business/last-laugh-for-philippines-onetime-joke-economy-avoids-much-asia-s-turmoil.html Greenlees, D. (2008). Miners shun mineral wealth of the Philippines. The New York Times. Retrieved on July 09, 2012 from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/14/business/worldbusiness/14iht-mine.1.12876764.html Lum, T. (2012). The Republic of the Philippines and U.S. Interests. Congressional Research Service. Retrieved on July 09, 2012 from https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL33233.pdf Rottman, G. (2002). World War 2 Pacific Island Guide. Chicago: Greenwood Publishing Group U.S. Department of State. Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. (2009). Background Note: Philippines. Retrieved on July 09, 2012 from http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2794.htm Read More