Current State of the U.S.-Philippines Alliance
Abstract
In the early 1990 s, after failing to renegotiate the 1947 Military Bases Agreement, the United States ended 45 years of forward defense basing in the Republic of the Philippines. Subic Naval Base, Clark Airfield, and several smaller installations were turned over to the Government of the Philippines (GRP). Additionally the U.S. Military discontinued approximately $200M in annual Foreign Military Finance, access to spare parts and management assistance. For nearly a decade, the once close relationship stagnated. During this time, The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) alarmingly declined in readiness, and since relinquishing the bases, the U.S. has shown varying interest in the security relationship. Short of recognizing an existential mutual threat, it is unlikely the U.S. and Philippines will ever reach the level of cooperation they once enjoyed. This research paper focuses on the past decade, seeking to predict the future relevance of the U.S.-Philippines alliance. This study specifically looks at three significant 21st Century aspects to the relationship that have dominated the past decade and will have significant impact on the future; Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines, the Philippines Defense Reform Program and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 24, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA553024
Entities
People
- Rocky L. Carter
Organizations
- United States Army War College