After September 11, 2001, United States President George W. Bush put together a 'Coalition of the Willing.' From the very beginning this coalition included the Philippines, a willing participant in the U.S.-led invasion and occupation of Iraq and the larger War on Terror. This timely and persuasive book argues that the Philippines' recent foreign policy must be understood by considering three factors: the crucial role of overseas employment to the Philippine economy, the mendicant relationship between the Philippines and the United States, and the Catholicism of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Between September 11 and August 4, 2004, the Philippine State identified itself as a loyal and supportive member of the Coalition of the Willing, in part to take advantage of the labor opportunities in the reconstruction efforts of Iraq. However, in the face of mounting violence and instability in the war-torn country, the Philippines became increasingly reluctant to actively participate in the coalition. When Angelo de la Cruz, a Filipino truck driver, was kidnapped, the Philippine government withdrew its forces from Iraq. This decision can only be understood in the context of Macapagal-Arroyo's political fundamentalism. Specifically, Macapagal-Arroyo believed that it was God's will to spare the life of de la Cruz. This study of the Philippines' recent foreign policy examines the interconnections of international relations, transnational labor migration, military conflict, theology, and terrorism. It is unique in its explicit examination of peripheral states' participation in the War on Terror, the invasion of Iraq, and the Coalition of the Willing, as well as its willingness to discuss the religious context of a state's foreign policy.
Les mer
Chapter 1 Global Constructions Chapter 2 The Politics of Employment Chapter 3 Constructing War: America's Will Chapter 4 Working for Solidarity Chapter 5 The Peace on Terror
Tyner offers an interesting monograph for those familiar with Philippine history. . . . Recommended.

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780742538603
Publisert
2005-05-05
Utgiver
Vendor
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Vekt
349 gr
Høyde
228 mm
Bredde
162 mm
Dybde
17 mm
Aldersnivå
G, 01
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet
Antall sider
160

Forfatter

Biographical note

James A. Tyner is an associate professor in the Department of Geography at Kent State University.