EXPERTS ADVISORY

President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines started a political storm with a disparaging comment about President Obama, leading to a cancellation of a meeting between the two leaders. Experts at the University of Michigan can discuss the political implications.

John D. Ciorciari, assistant professor of public policy, focuses on Southeast Asia and examines foreign policy strategies, human rights and the reform of international economic institutions.

“Duterte’s foul mouth causes embarrassment, but the real concern is that his tirades suggest an erratic and egocentric approach to foreign policy,” he said. “His domestic crackdown, constrained little by human rights considerations, also complicates Philippine relations with its foreign partners—above all the United States. Duterte’s tough talk has to be taken seriously, and it portends for considerable stress in the U.S.-Philippine relationship unless he reins in the braggadocio and reaffirms his country’s commitment to the alliance.”

Contact: 734-615-6947, johncior@umich.edu

Allen Hicken, associate professor of political science, was in the Philippines monitoring the elections. His research areas include political parties and party systems in developing democracies and their role in policy making, particularly in the Philippines, Thailand and Cambodia.

Contact: ahicken@umich.edu