Book excerpt: Rodrigo Duterte’s rise and the Marcoses’ return to power have captivated Southeast Asia watchers and the rest of the world. That the spectacle of strongman rule has allured most Filipinos is no longer in doubt, with the strong electoral mandate garnered by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022. Whether their capture of state power is in any way connected and what this portends about the country’s democratic future is a key theme marking Games, Changes, and Fears. In this volume, Filipino academics and practitioners provide much needed analysis about this political succession and what it means for Asia’s oldest republic. Packed with thirteen chapters depicting insightful trends and prognosis on the Philippine economy, domestic politics, foreign policy, and society, this volume offers scholars, students, and policymakers with the analytical repertoire to understand developments in the Philippines. Overall, the chapters suggest that while some policies and practices continue under the Marcos Jr. administration, there have been pivotal changes indicating a break from the past. The chapters offer key policy recommendations critical in recalibrating Philippine political, economic, and social conditions that could address democratic backsliding, economic challenges, and societal polarization. "This carefully curated volume offers a judicious assessment of the political legacy of Rodrigo Duterte in key policy areas and the continuities and changes marking the transition to the Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. administration. Games, Changes, and Fears lays out a number of important insights—the formation of dynastic cartels, erosion of democratic values and civil liberties, securitization of governance, politicization of the information ecosystem, emergence of new political actors, and politics of fear, violence, and misogyny—that deepen our understanding of Philippine politics and society while providing portents of, and object lessons in, the struggle for substantive democracy in neighbouring Southeast Asian countries and the world." -- Caroline S. Hau, Professor, Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University "In the wake of Rodrigo Duterte’s populist rule, the Philippines stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the aftermath of profound political and policy changes. As the nation enters a new era under Marcos Jr.’s presidency, questions loom large over the future of democracy and governance. This edited volume offers a multifaceted analysis of Duterte’s legacy, providing essential insights into the trajectory of Philippine politics and society." -- Yuko Kasuya, Professor, Faculty of Law, Keio University "This is a superb survey of Philippine politics during the Rodrigo Duterte administration and the early years of the Bongbong Marcos presidency. Written by Filipino scholars based in Philippine universities and research institutions, this unique compilation of essays provides a keen and grounded analysis of political developments in the country. In doing so, this volume showcases the strength and value of Filipino scholarship on Philippine politics. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the impact and legacy of the Duterte years." -- Erik Martinez Kuhonta, Associate Professor, McGill University