There is a quite common and toxic “strong man” myth in much of South East Asia, ultimately going back to (mostly falsely attributed) economic success stories of South Korea and Singapore that saw much of their initial growth under the rule of right-wing authoritarian leaders.
Corrupt dictators like Marcos and wanna-be dictators like Duterte have exploited this ever since for political gain.
There is a quite common and toxic “strong man” myth in much of South East Asia, ultimately going back to (mostly falsely attributed) economic success stories of South Korea and Singapore that saw much of their initial growth under the rule of right-wing authoritarian leaders.
Corrupt dictators like Marcos and wanna-be dictators like Duterte have exploited this ever since for political gain.
I mean, it works… so long as the US gives a shit about your country at all. If not then the plan will fail miserably.