ASoG and RGLSoSS co-host session on national development and security amid geopolitical tensions at 20th EAEA International Conference

The Ateneo School of Government, through the Ateneo Policy Center, together with the Dr Rosita G Leong School of Social Sciences, successfully co-organized the parallel session “Sustained National Development and Security under Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Tension” at the 20th East Asia Economic Association International Conference on 8 Nov 2025 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

Moderated by Dr Sidney Christopher T Bata, the session brought together scholars and practitioners to examine how shifting geopolitical and geoeconomic landscapes—ranging from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and US–China tensions to the resurgence of "America First" policies—continue to shape national development trajectories, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

Four papers were presented, offering Philippine-centric insights on:

• The country’s derisking strategy as it balances its role as a key US ally while maintaining China as its top trading partner (Mendoza & Mendoza);
• The implications of Asia-Pacific geopolitical dynamics on critical Philippine industries such as telecommunications, energy, mining, and digital infrastructure (Baladjay & Carlos);
• How the return of protectionist U.S. policies may trigger financial instability and why Asian economies must strengthen domestic institutions and deepen regional financial cooperation (Yap); and
• The long-standing economic gains from the Philippines–US relationship and how new US tariff policies may adversely affect the Philippine economy (Torio & Doytch).

The session underscored the urgent need for evidence-based strategies, multilateral cooperation, and resilient policy design to safeguard national development and security amid intensifying global tensions.