The Security Pursuits of a Small State: A Comparative Study of the Philippines’ Security Partnerships with Australia, Japan, and Viet Nam (2010-2016) (original) (raw)

Abstract

This study examined the motivations behind the pursuit of strategic partnerships by small powers. In power from 2010 to 2016, the administration of Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III pursued a policy of “lay[ing] the groundwork for a potential web of inter-locking strategic partnerships,” essentially “expand[ing]…defense and security engagements” with other countries apart from the United States (U.S.), its sole treaty ally. The Aquino government pursued strategic partnerships with two key countries in the region, namely Japan and Viet Nam, as well as a comprehensive partnership with Australia. In view of the foregoing, the main research problem of this study is: Why do small states forge strategic partnerships? In addition, this study also aims to answer the following additional research questions: 1) How does the Philippines, under the Aquino III administration, perceive its strategic challenges as a small power?; 2) What are the factors that influenced the Philippines in selecting potential strategic partners?; and 3) What are the factors that determine the choice of the states to forge a specific partnership types (i.e., strategic, comprehensive, or others)? Anchored on the theories on small state of Magcamit, and strategic partnership of Wilkins as framework, this study used a qualitative approach, and a comparative case study design. This study concluded that there three motivations behind the pursuit of strategic partnerships by small powers: First, the imperative to support the current international order. Second, the necessity to promote capacity-building efforts. And third, the need to support and enhance existing multilateral architecture, particularly with respect to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

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