The Philippines Reader: A History of Colonialism, Neocolonialism, Dictatorship, and Resistance

Political activists Schirmer and Shalom gather here over 80 articles and documents that seek to demonstrate a longtime, popular struggle on the part of Filipinos for social justice and freedom from foreign domination. The selections tell of the past and present U.S. role in the Philippinesfrom the turn-of-the-century U.S. conquest (wresting control of the colony from Spain) to the flight last year of dictator Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino's assumption of the presidency. The editors admit that they have not constructed a ""neutral book,' but sources include the CIA, the State Department and President Reagan, as well as Philippine nationalist and leftist groups and U.S. opponents of foreign intervention. Partisan, the book raises disturbing questions about the future of our role in the Philippines. This is an educational and timely look at a complex nation. (March)