Citation

Shalom SR. J. Peace Res. 1989; 26(1): 19-31.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0022343389026001003

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In the years before World War II, the Philippines attempted a defense plan that was, according to the officials in charge, explicitly modeled on Switzerland's approach to defense. The plan was a failure, for the Philippines was conquered and suffered greatly during the war. This article argues, however, that the Philippine defense plan was inconsistent in fundamental respects with the basic principles of the Swiss approach. The Philippine defense program did constitute a threat to others; Philippine foreign and economic policies were not neutral between other nations; positive inducements were not provided to discourage attack; and the nature of Philippine society did not assure the high morale of the citizenry.