Review: Radical Politics in the Philippines
By Layne Hartsell, PhD
The people of the Philippines, throughout the modern age, have been subject to a number of major political, social, and economic events that were disruptive to their sovereignty, self-determination and development; and with severe consequences for the indigenous population today that still lives close to nature. Adding to their history is the planetary matter of ecology in the archipelago of more than 7,000 islands as Filipinos adapt and adjust to the Anthropocene. The politics in the Philippines, during the latter part of the 20th century, were positive concerning the potential for what has become radical democracy as rule from the demos, by, of, and for the People. However, as is argued in the current work, democracy became elitist thereby largely ignoring much of the population. This lack of reach caused turbulence as the 21st century began due to the large distance between the periphery and the center, with the periphery growing in size. With a large periphery, social unrest becomes apparent as people try to work through the democratic system for basic relief, while realizing they are risking political and societal breakdown. The challenges are vast and the risks are increasing for this resource rich country. Into these conditions, a small group of philosophers from the south of the Philippines are considering current deliberation on politics concerning poverty, ecology, technology, and general concerns that give attention to the root causes of the conditions. Their goal is a full democracy both formal and substantive for all. It is wise, considering democracy, that the tension between any areas of society not fall into authoritarianism as many societies, globally, are experiencing varying levels of strains, some resulting in war that could lead to global economic, political, and environmental catastrophe. It is through democracy that a reasonable, humane, ecological, adaptive future would be most likely achieved. As is rightly recognized in the book, deliberation and social movements are a requirement to fill the “chasm between formal democratic institutions and the need to substantiate it” by pressure on, and at times, challenge and confrontation of those who are in power.
Bionote:
Layne Hartsell, PhD, is a Research Professor at the Center for Science, Technology, and Society, Department of Philosophy, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
