Exploratory study reveals enhanced security perceptions in Malangas amidst Duterte's drug campaign, suggesting Machiavellian principles may influence governance and stability.
This study explores President Rodrigo Duterte’s War on Drugs through the lens of Machiavelli’s Prince and the concept of virtù, focusing on its localized effects in Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay. Using an exploratory-descriptive approach, data were gathered from 138 residents aged 24 and above through a validated survey questionnaire. Results showed high public awareness of the campaign, a strong perception of Machiavellian virtù in Duterte’s leadership, and reported improvements in peace, order, and personal safety. While the War on Drugs has faced widespread criticism for human rights violations, local respondents associated it with reduced drug-related crimes and enhanced security within their community. The findings suggest that Machiavellian strategies in governance can reinforce peace and stability, yet remain contested due to their implications for human rights and democratic values.
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Marquez et al. (2025) studied this question.
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