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International Development and Security Cooperation (IDSC)

International Development and Security Cooperation (IDSC): A Manila-based think tank, IDSC is founded and presided over by Dr. Chester Cabalza, a prominent professor and "father of security anthropology" in Southeast Asia. Its primary mission is to address development and security issues, advising national leaders, multinational companies, and embassies on defence and security matters. IDSC’s main activities include extensive research, publishing in security studies, and advising senior military and police officers. The institution is recognised for its contributions to understanding regional security, including the South China Sea, and its founder’s significant academic and advisory roles.

International Development and Security Cooperation (IDSC)

Inside Germany’s plan to transform a Philippine Cold War relic

A multimillion-dollar aviation deal at Clark highlights European economic investment as a tool of strategic power.

Aid and diplomacy: US Navy’s renewed bid for Southeast Asian influence

‘Not a single inch’: Philippines vows to block structures at Scarborough Shoal

Will Marcos’ shipbuilding push deliver lasting capacity for Philippines?

The expansion of the West Cebu Industrial Park aims to strengthen the Philippines’ defence and economy, and cement dominance in shipbuilding.

Vietnam, Philippines to forge stronger ‘alignment’ on 50 years of ties

Analysts say To Lam’s first visit to Manila as state leader signals Vietnam’s balanced foreign policy and investment in Asean partnerships.

Why Sara Duterte is altering tone on South China Sea dispute

The vice-president’s calls to ‘defend sovereignty’ are an attempt to please voters at home while not alienating Beijing, experts say.

Will Asean’s oil scramble mean Russia builds lasting stronghold in region?

Southeast Asia’s pivot may be for economic reasons, but some analysts warn Moscow could seek to build lasting influence in the region.

Can a US-governed ‘Pax Silica’ hub turn Philippines into a chip powerhouse?

The chip-focused ‘economic security zone’ will reportedly operate under US law despite being on Philippine soil.

‘Matter of survival’: Philippines seeks safe Hormuz passage for vessels

Philippine and Iranian officials met on Wednesday to discuss ‘key avenues for cooperation’, amid Tehran’s blockade of the strait.

Why Philippines may face ‘strategic dilemma’ over Nato partnership, US demands

Manila has been forging closer ties with several Nato members amid tensions between the transatlantic security alliance and the US.

Why Filipinos blame Marcos, not Trump, for the Iran war fuel crisis

A Philippine senator wants Filipinos to hold Trump accountable for their surging fuel bills. But public anger has a different target.

US eyes a Philippine ammo facility as opposition warns of ‘warmongering’

The Philippines has long been the closest US ally in Asia. Now Washington wants something more: a place to make bullets and shells.

French ‘intimacy’: Philippines, France near deal for Indo-Pacific strength

The visiting forces deal comes on top of similar pacts with other nations and could help the Philippines attain a ‘muscular defence arsenal’.

Why the Philippines’ military is betting on South Korean defence systems

The US$27.7 million contract covers combat management systems for two next-generation Philippine Navy frigates.

Philippines to get up to US$3.5 billion defence aid to counter ‘serious threats’

A US senator says the support for Manila and other allies reflects the threats posed by China and its partners in the ‘axis of aggressors’.

Why the Philippine Army is turning to locally built remote weapons systems

The roll-out of the new Cobra weapon system is part of Manila’s push to build a self-reliant defence industry.

Will Philippines favour Eurofighter Typhoon for its military upgrade?

The Eurofighter, which is estimated to cost US$117 million each, has drawn buying interest from Bangladesh and other countries.

Asean unifies under single extradition treaty to fight organised crime

The treaty is expected to plug major cooperation gaps by creating uniform rules across a region struggling with cybercrime and trafficking.

How a Japan-Philippines defence pact could become a ‘template’ to deter China

PLA sends bomber over South China Sea for ‘routine patrol’ after the Philippines steps up joint drills with allies in the region.

Philippines courts East Timor as new South China Sea ally in Asean

Next year’s Asean chair has shown interest in formalising defence cooperation with the latest member of the 11-nation bloc.

Canada, Philippines take ‘next step’ with joint forces pact amid China concerns

The deal is mutually beneficial to both countries, particularly as Canada moves out from under the US’ shadow in the region, analysts say.

Philippines in talks to buy more South Korean fighter jets, aircraft maker says

A recent air show featured the multirole KF-21 Boramae fighter jets manufactured by a South Korean firm that sold FA-50 aircraft to Manila.

Doubts greet Philippines-China coastguard deal to calm disputed waters

Analysts are cautiously optimistic about the proposed pact as past efforts to lower the temperature in the waterway have had limited success.

Philippines urged to act as China cements control over Scarborough Shoal

A former Philippine Supreme Court justice called the South China Sea nature reserve a calculated legal manoeuvre to assert sovereignty.

South Korea suspends US$503 million loan to Philippines over corruption fears

Manila, however, said no loan agreement over the bridge-building project was ever signed, and it was only discussed at an exploratory stage.

Why Beijing’s new plan to bolster its South China Sea claims has Manila worried

Senior Philippine official calls Chinese announcement a pretext for ‘eventual occupation’ as analysts warn of higher tensions.

Philippines’ Subic Bay play aims to anchor US naval strategy in Asia

Manila is pushing the revitalised shipyard in the hopes it will unlock a ‘Pandora’s box’ of investment and act as a strategic hedge.

Collision between Chinese ships expected to escalate tension in South China Sea

Analysts predict China will move to restore its image at sea while ramping up exercises to improve navy-coastguard coordination.