Bungacast /482/ The Philippines' Dynasty & Duterte's Arrest ft. Walden Bello
Apr 22, 2025
In this conversation with Walden Bello, a renowned public intellectual from the Philippines, listeners dive into the turbulent world of Filipino politics. Bello discusses the implications behind Duterte's arrest and the concept of 'lawfare.' He offers insights into the entrenched political dynasties, describing the Philippines as an 'anarchy of families.' The dialogue also touches on the challenges of left-wing activism, geopolitics in the South China Sea, and lessons for the future amidst changing global dynamics.
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Duterte's ICC Arrest Explained
- Duterte's ICC arrest stems from his war on drugs causing thousands of extrajudicial killings.
- His arrest also reflects a power struggle between the Marcos and Duterte political dynasties.
Origins of Philippine Dynasties
- Philippine dynastic politics arose from U.S. colonialism introducing elite competition into a rural setting.
- Local elites peacefully competed for power while maintaining dominance over the broader population.
Legacy of the EDSA Revolution
- The promise of the 1986 EDSA revolution remains unfulfilled, causing widespread disappointment.
- Neoliberalism and dynastic monopolies wrecked agrarian reform and social progress, fueling discontent leading to Duterte’s rise.