Review - Related Literature: Article "Aspirations, dysfunction, and Conflict: Politics and Security in the entangled economies of Malaysia and the Philippines by Bansal, R., & Manicom, J. (2007).
Introduction
Bansal and Manicom’s 2007 article “Aspirations, Dysfunction, and Conflict: Politics and Security in the entangled economies of Malaysia and the Philippines” is a comprehensive examination of the dynamics between two states – Malaysia and the Philippines – in the volatile Asia Pacific region. It delves into the political, economic, and cultural connections between these two countries and analyzes how they impact security both regionally and at the interstate level. Drawing on a variety of sources, including data from the World Bank, the authors provide a comprehensive analysis of the dynamic between these two states. This review will discuss the key points put forward in the article, including the examination of how economic and political aspirations shape security decisions; the role of dysfunction in politics and economics; and finally, the conflict that existential statehood plays in shaping the security narrative.
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Political Aspirations and Security
The authors begin by examining the political aspirations of the two states, and how it has shaped their security policies. The article acknowledges that while Malaysia and the Philippines are geographically close and have overlapping economic relationships, their political relationship is strained due to varying political ideologies. The authors suggest that as new economic opportunities have arisen, so have greater political aspirations, which have caused greater divergence in security policies. This is exemplified by Malaysia’s embrace of neoliberal economic policies and the Philippines’ significantly less market-oriented policy regime. This divergence in economic policies has resulted in differing security objectives, with the Philippines focusing on defense and Malaysia placing a greater emphasis on economic growth and globalization.
The Role of Dysfunction
The article also examines the role of dysfunction in the economies and politics of Malaysia and the Philippines. The authors suggest that there are various forms of dysfunction in the economic and political structures of both countries, which have kept them from realizing their respective goals. For example, Malaysia’s economy is hampered by gender, ethnic, and religious inequality, while in the Philippines, bureaucracy and political dysfunction has led to increased inequality and a lack of success in achieving economic reforms.
Impacts on Security
The authors also examine the impact that these economic and political dynamics have on security in the region. They suggest that due to their divergent political ideologies and goals, both Malaysia and the Philippines face security threats from external actors seeking to exploit the weaknesses in their systems. Specifically, they note that transnational organized crime and terrorism have taken advantage of the current state of affairs, and have used it to further their own goals. The article further argues that the lack of trust between the two states has exacerbated existing problems, and could potentially lead to further security threats in the future.
In conclusion, Bansal and Manicom’s 2007 article “Aspirations, Dysfunction and Conflict: Politics and Security in the entangled economies of Malaysia and the Philippines” provides a comprehensive examination of the economic and political dynamics between these two countries. It provides a thorough analysis of how political and economic aspirations shape security decisions; the role of dysfunction in economics and politics; and how the conflict of statehood shapes the security narrative. The article ultimately suggests that the lack of trust between the two states has led to various security threats, which must be addressed in order to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for both countries.
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