Well-researched... a welcome guide. The Spectator Reliable and lucid. History Today With a
fractured geography and complex identity The Philippines is an eclectic and unique mix of
culture environment people and politics. Known mostly for natural disasters migrant labour
and dictatorial presidents in this book Philip Bowing shows how it is much much more. Deftly
navigating the history of this populous island republic The Making of the Modern Philippines
traces its history to define and explain its position in the modern world. Looking past the
headlines of volcanoes earthquakes and violence it asks why has the Filipino economy lagged
behind its neighbours explores the importance of its location in geopolitics and investigates
how its deep-rooted Catholicism clashes with the Islamic consciousness of the region in which
it sits. Taking the history of the Philippines from its pre-colonial era through its Spanish
and American occupations and up to the modern day it unravels the complex politics culture
peoples and economy of this rich and unique nation. Engaging with challenges the Filipino
people face today such as federalism revolution Mindanao the diaspora capitalism and
relations with China it rediscovers the struggles culture and history of its past to
understand the present.
