Pedro L.

Baldoria (1910-1966)
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Academic interest: International Relations

Obtained his PhD in Political Science from the University of Southern
California in 1947, after which he joined the Department of Political Science
at the University of the Philippines.
Instituted Geopolitics (Political Science 107 : study of political institutions as
affected by geographic environments; brief review of forces and politics
behind colonial expansion; trends towards international groupings which
affect international relations and politics)
According to Agpalo, Geopolitics became the most popular and influential
course of the Department after World War II until the 1950s
After his death in 1966, Geopolitics was abolished because of the lack of a
faculty member sufficiently interested in teaching the course

A Geographic Situationer of Post-WW Asia

Philippines
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Surrounded by actual or potential powerful states

On the side of democracy
Due to advancements in water and airspace technology, security threats
have increased
Fortunately allied with the US
Recognized by the US as a strategic location needed to strengthen the
security of democracies in Asia

China
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Great manpower (Population of 518 million) and economic resources

Threat of Communist Chinese Imperialism

Japan
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Threat prior to WWII; diminished due to war losses

Despite losses, Japans potential for power within Asia is still formidable, due
to its citizens national discipline and technical know-how

Independence of Asian countries

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Former colonies such as Laos, Cambodia, North and South Vietnam

Changing Map of Asia

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Importance of studying of the map in relation to state development

Emergence of Western Policy in Asia (self-determination of states)

Japans Ambitions

From isolation to internationalism, as reflected by an adoption of industrial

and economic systems of the West
Japans agricultural economy
Only 15-16% of Japans land can be used for agriculture
The problem of growing population
Military Victories
War of 1894-95 against China: Treaty of Sheminoseki
Russo-Japanese War: Treayy of Portsmouth
Policy of Aggression
1931: Manchuria as puppet state under Hen-ri Pu Yi
1935: Withdrawal from the League of Nations

US Intervention
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Declared war against Spain

Treaty of Paris: Spains cession of the Philippines
Unique relationship with the Philippines

Developments in other Asian Countries

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Indonesia: succeeded in its struggle against the Dutch

India: exit of the British led to the creation of new states (India, Pakistan,
Burma)
China: emerging as a powerful Communist force in Asia

Geopolitics and Why?

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Distinction from Geopolitik

Geopolitik: branch of German geostrategy incorporating organic state
theory, which justifies expansion and the use of power for the benefit
of the state
Geopolitics: standards of good and evil are considered in the
formulation and application of policy
Importance of Geopolitics for National Security