Date of Publication

8-5-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in International Studies Major in American Studies

Subject Categories

American Studies

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

International Studies

Thesis Advisor

Don McLain Gill

Defense Panel Chair

Charmaine Misalucha-Willoughby

Defense Panel Member

Evangeline Katigbak-Montoya

Abstract/Summary

The research analyzes the current Marcos Jr. administration foreign policy and its security cooperation with Canada, France, and the United Kingdom through a Constructivist lens. Under Marcos Jr., the Philippines has aligned with the principles and instruments of international law to keep the West Philippine Sea free and open, aligning with the interests of these three nations and shaping a shared sense of identity based on mutual goals. Although they are geographically distant, these Western powers share a regional stake with the Philippines that is geostrategically significant for maritime trade in the South China Sea. More fundamentally, the Philippines also aligns with European and North American countries on common democratic norms and principles. Through a case study of the Philippines’ security partnerships with Canada, France, and the UK, this study finds that their cooperation has significantly grown under the Marcos Jr. administration, evident in their joint military exercises, defense agreements, and engagements. Viewed under Constructivism, this growth in security cooperation is a result of the like-mindedness of the four states — their shared liberal democratic identity, which was not seen in the Philippines in the past years, the same interest in preserving the maritime rules-based order, and seeing China as a common threat to these ideals.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Security, International--Philippines; Philippines---Foreign relations--Canada; Philippines---Foreign relations--France; Philippines---Foreign relations--Great Britain

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Embargo Period

8-20-2028

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Available for download on Sunday, August 20, 2028

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