Introduction

This chapter presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book focuses on themes of domestic politics, foreign relations, economics and social policies, as well as cultures and movements. It discusses the major institutions of government as well as political parties. The book also focuses on informal arrangements in politics: clientelism, bossism, political dynasties, corruption, and congressional pork barrel. It centers on Philippine relations with the US, China, and Japan as well as "diaspora diplomacy". The book also discusses the nature of Philippine capitalism, industrialization, capital flight, efforts at poverty alleviation, informality in women's livelihood projects, microfinance, economic nationalism, and conditional cash transfers. It elaborates on fundamental values evident in everyday Filipino life – family and kinship, food, and music. The book explains nationalism and Church–State relations as well as focuses on gendered social norms that ensure the continuity of Catholic religiosity.