Trump's Global Disruption: A Filipino Perspective on Strongman Diplomacy
As President Donald Trump reshapes America's global stance through his controversial "Board of Peace" initiative, Filipinos watch with particular recognition. The strongman approach to international relations bears familiar echoes for a nation that has navigated decades of authoritarian leadership.
Hollywood Triumph Amid Political Turmoil
While Trump dominates headlines with his disruptive foreign policy, Filipino-American talent shines at the Academy Awards. The film "Sinners" made Oscar history with record nominations, including recognition for Zinzi Coogler, the Filipina producer married to director Ryan Coogler. Cinematographer Autum Durand Arkapaw also broke barriers as the first Filipino woman nominated for cinematography.
This cultural achievement stands in stark contrast to Trump's anti-diversity policies, proving that talent transcends political rhetoric.
From Davos to Disruption
Trump's recent appearances, from Washington press conferences to the World Economic Forum in Davos, reveal a consistent pattern of challenging established international norms. His threats regarding Greenland and criticism of NATO allies signal a fundamental shift in American diplomacy.
European leaders express growing concern about America's reliability as an ally. "Our American Dream is dead," an EU diplomat reportedly stated, reflecting the deteriorating trust between traditional partners.
The Filipino Connection to Strongman Politics
For Filipinos, Trump's "Board of Peace" concept resonates with uncomfortable historical parallels. The promise of quick solutions through strongman leadership echoes the martial law era under Ferdinand Marcos and the controversial drug war policies of Rodrigo Duterte.
"Filipinos recognize this instantly because we watched it unfold," notes the reality that peace through fear rather than justice has been attempted before in Philippine history. The results were often tragic, with human rights sacrificed for the promise of order.
A World Without Institutions
Trump's approach deliberately excludes traditional diplomatic institutions like NATO, the European Union, and the United Nations. Instead, his imagined "Board of Peace" features strongman leaders from Russia, China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
This preference for personal diplomacy over institutional frameworks concerns many observers who understand that sustainable peace requires patient negotiation, not hasty deals between powerful individuals.
Lessons from Philippine Experience
The Philippine experience with authoritarian leadership offers valuable insights into the limitations of strongman diplomacy. While such leaders promise quick solutions, history shows that sustainable peace requires inclusive processes, respect for human rights, and institutional safeguards.
As Trump continues to reshape America's global role, the international community must navigate this new reality while maintaining commitments to democratic values and multilateral cooperation.
The challenge ahead lies in preserving the foundations of international law and human rights while adapting to changing geopolitical dynamics. For Filipinos, both in the homeland and diaspora, these developments carry particular significance given their nation's complex relationship with American power and influence.