Dissecting diplomacy: an independent foreign policy from the perspectives of Philippine diplomats

Abstract

The foreign policy of a nation affects not only its relations towards other sovereign states but also reaffirms priorities on the national level. Even after the Duterte administration's assertion that one of their primary targets is to reinforce the aforementioned directive, it remains to be seen whether or not the Philippines will achieve its goal of a mutually beneficent partnership with other countries. The mandate for an independent foreign policy that prioritizes sovereignty and national interest is included within the Constitution, yet it is debatable whether or not this has occurred naturally, if at all, considering that the government is now making it their business to turn it into a reality. Taking such a stance in foreign policy runs the risk of deviating from the status quo, and carries with it considerable pressure from the external factors which risk loss of profit with the rejection of the system. This study sought the insight of various experts in the field of diplomacy and international relations regarding the subject matter, and their responses were obtained using interviews or e-mail correspondence through verified channels.