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Brute force governance: public approval despite policy failure during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines
[journal article]
Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed enormous governance deficits globally. Several populist strongmen practiced "medical populism" - ignoring scientific advice, proffering denials, and blaming others. More technocratic leaders recognised its severity, implementing strict lockdowns. But some failed to ... view more
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed enormous governance deficits globally. Several populist strongmen practiced "medical populism" - ignoring scientific advice, proffering denials, and blaming others. More technocratic leaders recognised its severity, implementing strict lockdowns. But some failed to adopt more flexible restrictions once testing improved due to local enforcement difficulties, termed "blunt force regulation." Although neither a pandemic denialist nor an obtuse technocrat, Philippine president Rodrigo R. Duterte's response combined aspects of both approaches with blame shifting and one-size-fits-all lockdowns while also securitising the crisis. Utilising methods developed during his bloody "war on drugs," Duterte imposed a heavily militarised approach, scapegoated supposedly disobedient Filipinos (pasaway) and bullied local politicians. While the Philippines has been among the worst pandemic performers globally, Duterte's approval ratings remained robust. It is argued "brute force governance" undermined the dynamics of accountability, enabling him to win public approval despite policy failure.... view less
Keywords
epidemic; Philippines; governance; society; contagious disease; national state; therapy; public opinion; health policy
Classification
Political System, Constitution, Government
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
Free Keywords
Ausgangssperre; COVID-19; Duterte; Pandemie; Securitization; Seuchenbekämpfung; Verhältnis Gesellschaft - Staat; Versicherheitlichung
Document language
English
Publication Year
2022
Page/Pages
p. 399-421
Journal
Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, 41 (2022) 3
ISSN
1868-4882
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed