The study of politics in Southeast Asia: the Philippines in Southeast Asian political studies

The study of politics in Southeast Asia emerged out of significant junctures in historical state-making and nation-building in the region. Given the "neglect" of Southeast Asia in "mainstream" Western political science, efforts have been made by scholars within and outside Southeast Asia to form "epistemic communities" like the Asian Political and International Studies Association (APISA) to promote studies about Asia. The Philippines is an interesting case in this regard because it mirrored significant periods in its political history - from colonialism to nationalism, modernization, authoritarianism, and democratization. Notwithstanding the strong influence of American political scientists in the early teaching and writing on Filipino politics, the discipline has generally avoided the quantitative methodologies privileged by its American counterpart. Moreover, a vibrant and pluralist approach has been evident in the scholarly output of the Philippine Political Science Journal (PPSJ). Despite initial setbacks in its organization, the Philippine Political Science Association (PPSA) has been successful in fostering a national "epistemic community" of academics, scholars, and practitioners.