In an opinion piece published by BusinessWorld, the author examines whether the Philippines can be characterized as a gray zone state, where geopolitical competition unfolds through non-military means such as information operations, economic leverage, and social networks.
Gray zone strategies typically involve activities that fall between peace and conventional war, aiming to achieve strategic objectives without triggering overt conflict. The column suggests that the next phase of competition in Asia is increasingly being fought within information ecosystems and civic networks, rather than through traditional military confrontation.
The piece implies that the Philippines may be vulnerable to these gray zone tactics, given its strategic location and active civil society. It calls for a broader understanding of national security that accounts for influence campaigns and economic coercion alongside conventional defense.