My conversation with Dr. Chester Cabalza on WALANG ATRASAN over DWAR ABANTE RADYO offers a sobering reminder: the world order we once knew is unraveling. What he calls “fragmented globalization” is no longer a theory—it is the reality shaping our headlines, our alliances, and even the fate of overseas Filipinos. 

The New Chessboard of Power 

– United States consolidates influence in Latin America, from Venezuela to Mexico, and eyes Greenland for its rare earth wealth. 

– Russia presses its dominance in Europe through the war in Ukraine. 

– China expands its reach across the Indo-Pacific, challenging norms in Taiwan and the West Philippine Sea. 

This tripartite division resembles a modern-day colonization—only instead of spices, the prize is rare earth minerals and supply chains. Whoever controls these resources controls the future. 

Lessons from History 

Dr. Cabalza’s parallels are striking. Just as the Concert of Europe once carved up territories, today’s superpowers redraw boundaries through economics, military might, and technology. The Pax Americana—the era of US-led order—is under siege. Whether it survives or yields to a multipolar world remains uncertain. 

Where Does the Philippines Stand? 

For a middle power like ours, the challenge is clear: 

– Consistency in Principle. We must continue to champion international law, as we did with the 2016 arbitration award. 

– Strategic Diplomacy. As ASEAN chair and a candidate for a UN Security Council seat, the Philippines has a platform to remind great powers that no one is above the law. 

– Guarding Sovereignty. Our rich reserves of nickel and copper make us part of the global resource equation. That is both an opportunity and a vulnerability. 

The Stakes Ahead 

The danger of this transition is not abstract. As alliances shift and egos clash, wars can erupt, economies can fracture, and smaller nations risk being sidelined. Yet, there is also a chance for countries like the Philippines to assert moral leadership—championing coexistence, dialogue, and adherence to rules that protect the weak from the whims of the strong. 

Final Thought: 

Fragmented globalization is not just a geopolitical buzzword—it is the lived reality of our times. For Filipinos, the lesson is simple but urgent: we cannot afford complacency. In a world where superpowers redraw the map for resources and influence, our best defense is a principled stand anchored on law, diplomacy, and the resilience of our people.