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FEU Public Intellectual Lecture Series | Prof. Rommel Banlaoi and Prof. Herman Kraft

Far Eastern University・54 minutes read

The Public Intellectual Lecture Series at Far Eastern University discusses human security from national and international perspectives, focusing on freedom from fear, want, and the future quality of life. The Philippines aligns its national security policy with human security, with key threats including poverty, environmental degradation, political instability, and the need for economic opportunities and social services to enhance quality of life and prevent conflicts.

Insights

  • Human security emphasizes freedom from fear, want, and future quality of life, shifting focus from state-centric to people-centric security, addressing threats like poverty, environmental degradation, and political instability.
  • The Philippines faces challenges in addressing conflicts in Mindanao, including communist insurgency and reconstruction efforts in Marawi, highlighting the interconnectedness of development and security, with concerns about martial law's impact on governance and the need for effective long-term solutions.

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Recent questions

  • What is the focus of human security?

    Human security emphasizes freedom from fear and want.

  • How does the Philippines align its security policy?

    The Philippines aligns its security policy with human security.

  • What are the threats to human security?

    Threats include poverty, environmental degradation, and political instability.

  • How does the government address human security?

    The government provides economic opportunities and social services.

  • What is the impact of martial law in Mindanao?

    Martial law has tempered violence but raises concerns.

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Summary

00:00

Human Security Lecture Series at FEU

  • The Public Intellectual Lecture Series at Far Eastern University is hosted by Leo from the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies.
  • The topic of the lecture is human security from national and international perspectives.
  • Speakers for the session are Dr. Ramel Banlawi and Professor Hermann Kraft.
  • Human security was introduced in the 1994 UN Human Development Report in response to global internal conflicts.
  • Human security focuses on freedom from fear, want, and the future quality of life.
  • It encompasses economic, environmental, and political security beyond traditional national security.
  • The Philippines has aligned its national security policy with the concept of human security.
  • Human security shifts the focus from state-centric to people-centric security.
  • Threats to human security include poverty, environmental degradation, and political instability.
  • The government's role in addressing human security involves providing economic opportunities, education, and social services to enhance quality of life and prevent conflicts.

17:51

Addressing Conflict in Mindanao: Challenges and Solutions

  • Various pro-ISIS groups in the Philippines include the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter, Abu Sayyaf Group, Ansar Caliph Philippines, and rogue factions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front.
  • Communist insurgency is a significant issue in Mindanao, particularly in regions 11 and 12, with the government considering peace talks with the communist movement.
  • The Philippine government is conducting focus military operations in response to the communist insurgency while also exploring non-military approaches like political and economic solutions.
  • The Bangsamoro Organic Law and economic measures, including the Mindanao Development Authority, are part of the government's comprehensive approach to address conflicts in Mindanao.
  • Development and security are interconnected, with peace crucial for economic stability, especially in areas like Mindanao, known for food production.
  • The reconstruction of Marawi faces challenges due to differing concepts of normalization between affected families and the government, leading to delays and frustrations.
  • The delay in reconstruction in Marawi is exploited by threat groups to recruit rebels, highlighting the importance of swift action in rebuilding efforts.
  • Martial law in Mindanao has tempered violence from local politicians but raises concerns about its long-term impact and the need for civilian governance.
  • The Bangsamoro government faces pressure to deliver on its promises by 2022 to prevent further armed rebellion and potential hijacking of their agenda by local politicians and warlords.
  • The disconnect between governance and ordinary people in conflict areas like Mindanao contributes to human insecurity and vulnerability to armed groups, creating a cycle of violence and justification for martial law.

35:02

"Martial Law Extension: Government Disconnect and Authoritarian Tendencies"

  • Martial law extension historically rare, exception being current administration with strong congressional support.
  • Concerns raised about disconnect between government and people, from local to national levels.
  • Institutionalized governance questioned, with emphasis on continuity of policies regardless of party in power.
  • Martial law seen as shortcut by administration due to perceived inefficiency of normal politics in addressing urgent issues.
  • Normal political processes viewed as inadequate for addressing pressing issues like Marawi rehabilitation and traffic problems.
  • Government capacity and state capacity highlighted as crucial for addressing issues without resorting to crisis measures.
  • Populist government focused on short-term gains to maintain popularity, resorting to shortcuts and authoritarian tendencies.
  • Democratic institutions still in place to check government abuse of power, but administration consolidating support from judiciary, congress, and local governments.
  • Securitization of issues used to justify authoritarian measures, with emphasis on empowering military and police.
  • International relations impacted by concentration of power in executive, with mixed reactions from democratic and authoritarian states.

53:03

Philippines' Diplomatic Strategy with Major Powers

  • The Philippines maintains close relationships with various countries, including the United States, Japan, and Australia.
  • Despite concerns about Duterte's approach to democracy and human rights, the Philippines continues to have strong ties with these nations.
  • Duterte employs a diplomatic strategy that balances relationships with major powers like the United States and China, as well as smaller states in ASEAN.
  • The Philippines receives foreign military assistance from the United States, engaging in numerous joint military exercises with American, Japanese, and Australian counterparts.
  • Deals with China are increasing, although major agreements are pending, while Japan provides concrete support to the Philippines.
  • Prime Minister Abe's influence on Duterte's stance regarding the South China Sea and China is evident.
  • Recent meetings between Duterte and Xi Jinping in Beijing and discussions in Hawaii influence the Philippines' foreign policy decisions.
  • Duterte aims to maximize benefits from various countries, showcasing resilience in foreign policy and international diplomacy.
  • The Duterte administration's personalized approach to foreign policy, particularly with China, raises questions about sovereignty and national territory, necessitating a nuanced and informed perspective on international relations.
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