Maritime Diplomacy: The Philippine Perspective
By Karl Garcia For the Philippines, maritime diplomacy is not optional—it is existential. As an archipelagic state of more than 7,600 islands sitting astride major sea lanes, the country’s sovereignty, food security, trade, and national identity are inseparable from the sea. The lessons of Scarborough Shoal, the 1991 Senate vote on U.S. bases, and the … Continue reading
Selective Justice? How Power Shapes International Law in the Middle East and Beyond
By Karl Garcia The recent U.S.–Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets have reignited a perennial question in international relations: why some countries appear shielded from legal consequences while others face severe sanctions for similar actions. On the surface, international law — codified in the United Nations Charter — seems clear: the use of force is prohibited … Continue reading
Onwards: Alternative Fuels for Philippine Shipping – Challenges and Pathways Forward
By Karl Garcia The maritime sector is central to the Philippines’ economy. As an archipelagic nation with over 7,000 islands, shipping connects communities, supports trade, and sustains livelihoods. The Philippines is also a global leader in supplying seafarers to international shipping companies. Yet, despite this strategic advantage, the country’s domestic shipping industry heavily depends on … Continue reading
Maps, Manufacturing, and Recognition
By Karl Garcia Maps rarely appear controversial. In classrooms they hang quietly on walls, serving as colorful companions to lessons in geography, history, and civics. Yet maps are never purely decorative. They are political documents, cultural artifacts, and cognitive frameworks. They shape how citizens—especially students—understand territory, sovereignty, identity, and the world beyond their shores. In … Continue reading
Security Requires More Than Ships and Weapons
By Karl Garcia Whenever tensions flare in the West Philippine Sea, headlines erupt, debates ignite, and then, almost as quickly, the national conversation fades. Yet the challenges facing the Philippines’ security are not episodic—they are structural, persistent, and unlikely to disappear. Experts, including retired Rear Admiral Rommel Jude Ong, make it clear: defending our sovereignty … Continue reading