Territorial Autonomy Arrangements and Political Efficacy: Evidence from the Mindanao Region of the Philippines

• In Event: Public Policies in Comparative Perspectives

Abstract

This paper consider the relationship between the establishment of a territorial autonomy arrangement (TAA) and an enhanced sense of political efficacy among the beneficiaries of these accommodations. We consider this improved sense of efficacy in terms of both its internal and external dimensions. Internal efficacy is defined as degree of confidence an individual has in their skills and abilities to engage in politics; external efficacy reflects the level of certainty an individual has that their political activities will result in both attention and an accommodative response from the state.

We explore the relationship between TAAs and these two aspects of political efficacy through the analysis of a data set containing the responses of over 3000 survey participants from the Mindanao region of the Philippines. Mindanao proves an ideal environment under which to consider the relationship between TAAs and political efficacy. While the boundaries and rules associated with autonomy have changed over time, Mindanao has been the site of different territorial autonomy arrangements intended to accommodate the interests and concerns of its Muslim population.

The results we present in this paper lend support to view that TAAs enhance the sense of both internal and external political efficacy among members of communities that are beneficiaries of these arrangements. We believe this finding is important for two reasons. First, it contributes to the existing literature exploring the different sources of political efficacy. Second, it demonstrates the value of TAAs as an effective means of conflict management.

Authors

• Matthew Hoddie, Towson University

• Gorana Draguljic, Towson University