Maritime Development and Security

The maritime and archipelagic configuration of the Philippines presents both opportunities and challenges for the Filipino people. On the upside are the potential treasure trove of marine economic resources, a strategic location as a crossroads between Southeast and Northeast Asia and between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and the absence of land border issues and boundary conflicts that afflict many of our neighboring states.

The downside includes geographic isolation, security vulnerabilities arising from long coastlines, and frequent natural disasters impeding the nation’s growth and development. This multidisciplinary program explores how the Philippines can enhance the advantages and minimize threats and risks arising from its maritime environment, looking toward both the internal and external dimensions.

Recent Commentaries

Trying to Solve the Philippines' South China Sea Conundrum by Mark J. Valencia
Converging Joint Development and Philippine National Interest by Philip Vincent Alegre
Deconstructing Duterte's West Philippine Sea Policy by Lucio Blanco Pitlo III

Chronalysis: A quarterly round-up of regional issues and events that impact Philippine development and security

Program Convener: CPT DIANNE FAYE C DESPI PROF is a member of the Corps of Professors (COP), Armed Forces of the Philippines and is currently assigned at the Office of the Dean, COP in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. She was the former Chief Defense Analyst of the Office of Naval Strategic Studies, Philippine Navy, and Associate Editor of the ONSS StratJournal until 2017. She earned her Master in Area Studies (specializing in the Asia-Pacific) degree at Kyung Hee University in South Korea. Her main research interests include strategic culture, international defense and security engagements of the AFP, and maritime security cooperation.