Routledge Handbook of the Contemporary Philippines

<p>The Philippines is a fascinating example of a poor country democracy where issues of economic development and poverty political participation and stability as well as ethnicity and migration are crucial. The<em> Routledge Handbook of the Contemporary Philippines</em> provides a comprehensive overview of the current political economic social and cultural issues of the country. The Handbook is divided into the following four sections concentrating on a different aspect of the Philippines: </p><br/><br/><ul><br/><br/><p><br/><br/><li>domestic politics;</li><br/><br/><p></p><br/><br/><p><br/><br/><li>foreign relations; </li><br/><br/><p></p><br/><br/><p><br/><br/><li>economics and social policy;</li><br/><br/><p></p><br/><br/><p><br/><br/><li>cultures and movements.</li><br/><br/><p></p></ul><br/><br/><p>In terms of domestic politics chapters discuss clientelism bossism dynasties pork barrel and corruption as well as institutions - the presidency congress the judiciary the civil service political parties and civilian-military relations. The Philippines is confronted with many overseas challenges with the foreign relations section focused on the country's relationship with China Japan and the USA as well as assessing the impact of the Filipino diaspora community around the world. Regarding economics and social policy authors examine industrial policy capital flight microfinance technocracy economic nationalism poverty social welfare programs and livelihoods. The final section on Philippine cultures and movements highlights issues of customs gender religion and nationalism while also examining various social and political forces - the peasantry the middle class indigenous peoples NGOs the left trade unionism the women's movement and major insurgencies.</p><br/><br/><p>Written by leading experts in the field the <em>Handbook</em> provides students scholars and policymakers of Southeast Asia with an interdisciplinary resource on the evolving politics society and economics of the Philippines.</p>