The Drama of Dictatorship: Martial Law and the Communist Parties of the Philippines

The Drama of Dictatorship argues that the martial law regime was not fundamentally the outcome of Marcos's personal quest to remain in power but rather a consensus of the country's ruling elite, confronted with mounting social unrest, that authoritarian forms of rule were necessary to preserve their property and privileges. The bourgeois opponents of Marcos did not defend democracy but, like Marcos, plotted against it.

About the Author

Joseph Scalice is assistant professor of history at Hong Kong Baptist University.