“In this compelling and important book, Claudio documents the influence of liberal intellectuals in imagining—and building—the Filipino nation. . . . This is a timely book as illiberalism and populism are on the rise worldwide. Will liberal democracy survive the current challenges? We don’t know, but Claudio makes us better equipped to grapple with this important question.”
 

Sheila S. Coronel, dean of academic affairs, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism

"The book is clear in its approach and nuanced in its analysis. Through an intellectual biography of four Filipino liberals who served in government, Claudio demonstrates the deep tradition of liberalism in the Philippines. The power of the book lies in its vivid portrayals of Camilo Osias, Salvador Araneta, Carlos P. Romulo, and Salvador P. Lopez, with each personality representing liberal ideas in the fields of education, economics, foreign policy, and administration, respectively. What emerges from these narratives is an inductive description of liberalism in twentieth-century Philippines. The book’s analytical style is both particular and outward-looking. It is cognizant of the peculiarities of the Philippines’ postcolonial contexts while also portraying Filipino liberals not as vessels of Western thought but as active agents who have shaped the global conversations on human rights, democracy, economic redistribution, and freedom."

Pacific Affairs

“It is a thoughtful and concise volume that channels the ideas of well-known but understudied Filipino liberal intellectuals from the past to enlighten us in our current epoch of creeping authoritarianism and growing insular nationalism…. This book was delightful to read.”

Philip B. Guingona | Journal of Southeast Asian Studies (JSEAS)