This monograph provides an in-depth analysis of the balance between US military presence in the Philippines and a sovereign Filipino nation. Ever since the United States and the Philippines were joined by the result of the Spanish-American War, a unique bond of mutual defense has been shared by their people. Although this bond has never been without strain, the "special relationship" between the United States and the Philippines is a mutual benefit of defense for both nations. Shared-use infrastructure and the corresponding military partnership in the Philippines is the critical capability necessary to maintain regional stability, but Filipino nationalism and sovereignty are at odds with American ownership and occupation, even in the spirit of mutual defense. How can the United States adhere to multiple strategic and defense cooperation agreements, its own policies, and enforce stability in the Asia-Pacific region, while respecting the sovereignty and independence of the Filipino people? Strategic considerations drive military basing and infrastructure in the Philippines. The longstanding military partnership between the United States and the Philippines is driven by international policy and domestic considerations. Bold implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement of 2014, with a careful balancing of respect for Philippine sovereignty, is necessary to maintain regional balance in accordance with the 2017 National Security Strategy.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)