Graduation Year

2025

Date of Submission

12-2024

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

International Relations

Reader 1

Peter Uvin

Abstract

The World Bank, Freedom House, and V-DEM Institute are various democracy rating scales that utilize specific indicators to assess the extent to which democracy is “achieved” in a nation. From assessing electoral processes to the accessibility of individual rights, these tools certainly tell a story. For the Philippines, that story is a tumultuous relationship with democracy. With data traced back to the 1900s and reporting to the present day, it is revealed that the country has experienced a fluctuating and, in more recent years, deteriorating democracy. While it may be clear that colonial rule and occupation marked grim years for democracy, what is unclear is why the Philippines continues to struggle despite gaining its independence almost eight decades ago.

Thus, this thesis aims to uncover certain factors that have inhibited the Philippines from achieving true democracy. In order to do so, this thesis looks into the colonization of the Philippines and the lasting impacts it had on a post-independent democracy. What is found is that Philippine democracy faces a cyclical threat. This threat originates from forces established during colonial times and deeply embedded in society ever since. The most apparent example is seen with elitism and social structures introduced as early as the Spanish colonial rule. This has manifested into not only wealthy politicians controlling elections and distorting public goods, but also familial dynasties being primed to replace one another to guarantee continuous control. Ultimately, this thesis unpacks the corruption that plagues Philippine democracy and hints at the inherent need for increased accountability and systemic change.

This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

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