Face of Empire

Face of Empire, by Frank Hindman Golay, exposed the many faces, rather than a singular face of American colonial policy in the Philippines. In an epic work of history, Golay described how American policy moved from taking up white man's burden, to a strategic choice to project power across the Pacific, to ostensibly benevolent projects to educate the masses and build public works, to a heroic struggle by brothers-in-arms against Japanese invasion, to a final, shameful separation that made the country's recovery dependent on parity rights with Americans. The degree of autonomy Philippine leaders enjoyed was rare in the annals of imperialism, but there was no question who the master was in this relationship.

Observers from the left argue that Uncle Sam never really left, and his influence remains pervasive. That is probably true, but I would say it was also the case for many other countries allied to the US, especially during the Cold War. We finally stood up to the US in 1990 by ejecting their military bases from Philippine soil. Even so, the Philippines has failed to pursue an independent foreign policy befitting a middle income nation of 90 million with a strategic location. Just a few days ago, President Arroyo basked in the glory of being the first head of state from the region to meet Obama, and the Philippines being named as "coordinator" for US policy in the region. How glorious is it really to be asked to serve another country's interests?

Yet the relationship with the US remains complex. The Philippines must not rely too much on an ally that, like any other country, naturally holds its own interests above any other's. But the election of Obama and the continuing infatuation of Filipinos with living the American dream remind us there is much to learn from the most powerful democracy on earth.