Territorial Disputes, Realpolitik, and Alliance Transformation: The Case of Twenty-first Century Philippine-U.S. Security Relations

Abstract

How do territorial disputes transform alliances? How are alliances transformed? This article examines how the Philippines` territorial dispute with China over the Spratlys compels it to strengthen its security ties with the United States. Specifically, it observes that China`s realpolitik approach to the quarrel shifts the focus of the Philippine-U.S. security relationship from counterterrorism/counterinsurgency to developing the AFP`s maritime/territorial defense capabilities. It also analyzes how this contentious issue impacts on the alliance in terms of: (1) reformulation of its threat perception, (2) the hegemon`s prerogative, (3) the process of institutionalization, (4) the strategy of institutionalization, and (5) the intra-alliance bargaining process. In conclusion, the article notes that the reconfiguring of the Philippine-US. alliance, which has been revitalized in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, aims to address the major security challenge of the twenty-first century-China`s emergence and increasing assertiveness as a regional power.