Philippines

Though Austronesians operated in networks of oceanic trading that stretched from Asia to the Mediterranean for thousands of years, both the term and cultural grouping are little known.

After failing to assemble a critical mass that aggressively rallies for his policies, Duterte is leading a top-down insurgency to overturn to overturn the liberal-democratic establishment.

Duterte’s success on 13 May entrenches populism further.

Two years on since Marawi's siege and the city remains in ruin. Will locals ever be able to return?

Interviews with Philippine youth voting for first time reveal manifold views of election campaigns

A creative reflection on everyday life in Duterte's stronghold.

Populism has left liberal democracy on the defensive. Liberals might think to adopt elements of Duterte's populist idiom.

Should we consider the 2019 polls as a preview of politics in the soon-to-be autonomous region?

Despite built-in power disadvantages, women are still asserting themselves in online matchmaking.

Data on killings reconfirm how pervasive electoral violence remains.

Social media has amplified, rather than created, an existing culture of disinformation.

Dutertismo still hasn’t fundamentally changed how political power is sought and won.

Revisit the 20 most popular articles published at New Mandala this year.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front struggles to sustain a dual image of moderation and militancy.

In its rhetoric the MILF "is forced to walk a tightrope between two extremes", seeking credibility as a negotiator and as champion of Islam.

In both countries, ugly populist politics is a direct result of legitimate concerns about crime and corruption.

"Many were emotionally triggered by this part-testimonial, part-theatrical, and part-documentary theatre"

"We are drawn into the lives of four characters, each with a separate monologue"

The play highlights "raw and conflicted stories based on real lives in the drug war".

"Tao Po invites us to listen to four people’s intimate accounts of the [Philippines'] drug war."

Introducing a series of short reflections on Tao Po, a one-person play that grapples with the Philippines' drug war.

Researchers' snapshots of the problems of rebuilding after disaster.

How exactly can local & international humanitarian actors work better in the context of clear power disparities?

On waiting for public transport and the inequalities of reconstruction.