A Dream Deferred? Manila Renews the Visiting Forces Agreement With the U.S. – BRI vs. B3W

A Dream Deferred? Manila Renews the Visiting Forces Agreement With the U.S. – BRI vs. B3W

The renewed VFA may be among the last that the Philippines signs, because the U.S. may not desire to sustain a presence as a part of its regional policy, Joaquin Flores writes. “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry uplike a raisin in the sun?Or fester like a sore—And then run?Does it stink…

What Explains COVID’s East-West Divide?

What Explains COVID’s East-West Divide?

COVID-19 has been ruthless in choosing winners and losers around the world. The obvious “losers” have been those countries led by right-wing nationalists: Brazil, India, Russia, the United Kingdom, and (until recently) the United States. These five countries are responsible for more than half of the world’s coronavirus infections and nearly half the deaths. Just…

Why’s the US in the South China Sea?

Why’s the US in the South China Sea?

America regards itself as the “global policeman”, hence its arrogant actions, but it was never deputized by the international community to fulfill such a role. Rather, it’s more like a dangerously delusional role player than a legitimate law enforcement officer. The Philippine National Defense Secretary warned last week that his country “will be involved whether[it]…