How the U.S. Got the World to View Environmentalists as "Terrorists"
May 7, 2025
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Wendell Bulingot, Chairperson of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance and indigenous Igorot activist, shares his harrowing experiences with state oppression and being labeled a terrorist for defending ancestral lands. Joined by Jason Lamcheck, a research fellow focusing on human rights, they discuss the alarming trend of criminalizing environmental protests post-9/11. The duo explores how U.S. imperialism and counterterrorism policies have merged, endangering activists globally. Their candid insights highlight the resilience of those fighting for environmental justice amid relentless repression.
The U.S. military's post-9/11 anti-terrorism policies have significantly contributed to the global criminalization of environmental activism, labeling peaceful protest as terrorism.
Wendell Bulingot's experience as an indigenous activist highlights the severe repression faced by environmental defenders in the Philippines under new counterterrorism laws.
Deep dives
Criminalization of Environmental Activism
Environmental protest movements around the world are increasingly facing criminalization, driven by various influential entities, including corporate operatives and right-wing think tanks. The U.S. military and national security agencies have played a significant role in this trend, particularly following the post-9/11 climate that labeled many activists as eco-terrorists. This shift has global ramifications, as strategies developed in the U.S. have been exported to other nations, such as the Philippines, where environmental defenders are regularly targeted and persecuted. The link between labeling peaceful protest as terrorism and the crackdown on environmental activism highlights a dangerous intersection of national security concerns and environmental governance.
The Impact of U.S. Policies in the Philippines
The Philippines has become one of the most dangerous countries for land defenders, with a troubling history of violence against activists often branded as terrorists by the government. In response to U.S. policy changes after 9/11, the Filipino government enacted counterterrorism laws that have systematically targeted political dissent, particularly against indigenous and environmental activists. For example, anti-terrorism measures were utilized to suppress those opposing extractive projects in the Cordillera region, painting their resistance as tied to communist ideology. This criminalization has led to serious human rights violations, including abductions, assassinations, and the chilling effect on activists attempting to safeguard their ancestral lands.
Wendell Bulingot's Activism and Repression
Wendell Bulingot's journey as an indigenous activist illustrates the intense repression against environmental defenders in the Philippines. Initially focused on community militarization, Wendell's activism aligned with environmental protection as he faced state violence and threats, including assassination attempts and being labeled a terrorist under new legislation. His work with the Cordillera People's Alliance involved community organizing and opposition to destructive projects like hydropower dams, which have historically endangered indigenous lands and rights. As the Filipino government intensified crackdown through red tagging and anti-terrorism laws, Wendell’s position has become precarious, forcing him into hiding while battling serious charges against him.
Global Implications of Anti-Terrorism Frameworks
The anti-terrorism frameworks established after 9/11 have far-reaching impacts beyond the U.S., affecting activists globally as similar policies emerge in different countries. For instance, countries like India, Algeria, and France have enacted or reinforced their own anti-terrorism laws to suppress environmental and dissenting voices under the guise of national security. This escalation of labeling activists as terrorists serves to undermine democratic participation and civil society, transforming local struggles into international concerns. The systemic issue raises questions about the ethical implications of such laws and calls for a reassessment of how international counterterrorism policies are structured and enforced.
In the finale of our Real Free Speech Threat season, we look at how the U.S. military and its national security agencies have helped stoke a global crackdown on environmental protest, and bring you the inspiring story of one Filipino land defender who's been targeted by the state for years and is still fighting.
