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Authoritarianism and Political Modernization: The Philippine Case

Wilfrido V. Villacorta

Discipline: Cultural Studies

 

Abstract:

This paper seeks to establish that authoritarianism is not incompatible with political modernization, but could, in fact, be the best catalyst for political development if utilized for the common good. Given present conditions, it is understandable that this thesis, which was widely accepted in the turbulent days before martial law, would be regarded as an apologia for the current political system. However, the risk of being prejudged should not prevent a scholar from providing a dispassionate analysis of contemporary developments. The author will, thus, attempt to objectively discuss the requirements of political modernization, compare the experiences of developed states- Western and Asian- in the modernization process, and evaluate the performance of the present authoritarian government in the Philippines as a modernizing force.