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I2-The Philippines (Economic Imperatives (in the early 1970s, the economy…
I2-The Philippines
Economic Imperatives
- in the early 1970s, the economy stagnated; per-capita income was falling; foreign debt had grown to serious levels
- there was also growing middle class discontent with political corruption and inability of political system to solve the country's socio-economic problems
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- thus, many Filipinos initially supported Marcos' moves as they were willing to sacrifice civil liberties for economic dvlpment.
- great state control would also enable the govt to attract foreign investors.
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Cold War
- Marcos' declaration of martial law won the strong support of the US prez Richard Nixon.
- this was cos of Marcos' staunch anti-communist regime
--> crucial in US's fight agst communism in SEA
- US also desired continued access to the Subic Naval Base and Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines,
--> which housed an array of nuclear-capable aircraft and naval vessels that would be strategically crucial in event of superpower conflict.
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Failure of Democracy
- structural weaknesses of democracy:
- local elites exploited democratic procedures to serve their interests
- state was bedevilled with instability and corruption
=> democracy had been compromised & weak govts failed to deliver politival and material benefits ppl hoped for
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