Trump's 'Peace Board' Echoes Dark Filipino History of Strongman Rule
As President Donald Trump unveils his controversial approach to global diplomacy through what he calls a "Board of Peace," Filipino observers are experiencing an uncomfortable sense of déjà vu. The strongman tactics and promises of instant solutions bear striking resemblances to the Philippines' own painful experiences with authoritarian leadership.
From Davos to Manila: Familiar Patterns
Trump's recent appearances at the World Economic Forum in Davos and his domestic press conferences have revealed a diplomatic strategy that prioritizes personal relationships with strongmen over traditional alliances. His promise to end wars in "24 hours" through direct leader-to-leader negotiations excludes established institutions like NATO, the European Union, and the United Nations.
For Filipinos, this approach triggers memories of both Ferdinand Marcos' martial law era and Rodrigo Duterte's controversial presidency. Both leaders promised order through decisive action, often bypassing democratic processes and human rights considerations.
The 'Board of Peace' Composition
Trump's imaginary peace board notably includes Russia, China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, but excludes traditional democratic allies. This preference for authoritarian leaders over democratic institutions mirrors the governance style that Filipinos experienced under strongman rule.
"Strongmen don't end violence. They rebrand it," notes political analyst Emil Guillermo, who draws parallels between Trump's diplomatic approach and the Philippines' historical experience with authoritarian leadership.
Lessons from Philippine History
The Filipino experience offers valuable insights into the consequences of strongman diplomacy. Under Marcos, promises of stability through decisive leadership led to decades of suppressed opposition and economic stagnation. Similarly, Duterte's drug war, which Trump publicly praised, resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings while failing to solve the underlying drug problem.
European leaders are already expressing concern about the erosion of trust in traditional alliances. As one EU diplomat reportedly said, "Our American Dream is dead. Donald Trump murdered it."
Cultural Recognition in Hollywood
On a more positive note, the film "Sinners" has made history with record Academy Award nominations, including recognition for Filipino-American talent. Zinzi Coogler, the Filipina producer, and cinematographer Autum Durand Arkapaw represent growing Filipino representation in Hollywood's highest honors.
Implications for Philippine-US Relations
Given the Philippines' complex relationship with both democratic values and strongman leadership, Trump's approach presents particular challenges. The country's historical ties to the United States, combined with its recent experience under Duterte's presidency, create a unique perspective on Trump's diplomatic revolution.
The concern among Filipino observers is that Trump's "Do Unto Others First" philosophy undermines the multilateral cooperation that has maintained relative global stability since World War II. This approach may particularly affect smaller nations like the Philippines, which rely on international law and institutions for protection against larger powers.
Looking Ahead
As Trump continues to reshape American foreign policy, the Filipino experience serves as both warning and guide. The country's journey from martial law to democracy, and back toward strongman rule under Duterte, demonstrates both the appeal and the ultimate costs of authoritarian solutions to complex problems.
The question now is whether other nations will learn from the Philippines' experience or repeat its mistakes in the face of Trump's diplomatic disruption.