Good afternoon, everyone.
My name is Zyro Pejan,
and for my Ted Talk today, we’ll explore the
significant impact of the Cold War on Philippine
politics—how it shaped our policies, alliances, and
identity. We’ll also uncover the *global lessons* this
era offers, lessons that remain essential in today’s
world."
Slide 1: Title
"The Cold War shaped the world we live in today. For
the Philippines, it was more than a global conflict—it
was a time of alliances, ideology, and lessons in
resilience. Let’s uncover how this silent war impacted
our politics and lives, and what we can learn moving
forward."
Slide 2: The Ideological Divide
"The Cold War was a clash between democracy and
communism. Democracy valued freedom and
innovation, while communism sought equality
through control. For the Philippines, this battle wasn’t
just global—it was local, influencing our anti-
communist policies and alliances with the US. These
ideologies didn’t just shape nations—they shaped us."
Slide 3: The Space Race
"The Cold War went beyond Earth—it reached for the
stars. The USSR launched Sputnik in 1957, while the
US landed on the Moon in 1969. For Filipinos, these
achievements inspired progress and emphasized our
role as a US ally in this global competition for
innovation."
Slide 4: Proxy Wars
"While superpowers fought proxy wars in Korea and
Vietnam, the Philippines faced insurgencies like the
Hukbalahap. These conflicts echoed Cold War
tensions, forcing us to balance internal challenges
with international influence. The fight wasn’t just
abroad—it was right here at home."
Slide 5: Spassky-Fischer Rivalry
"Even chess became a battlefield. The 1972 World
Chess Championship between Fischer and Spassky
symbolized democracy versus communism. For
Filipinos, it wasn’t just a game—it was a reminder
that the Cold War’s influence touched every corner of
life, even a chessboard."
Slide 6: The Arms Race
"The arms race was a constant shadow during the
Cold War. The superpowers built thousands of
nuclear weapons, raising global fears. For Filipinos,
this era taught us the importance of diplomacy and
how alliances with nations like the US could offer
security in uncertain times."
Slide 7: Lessons from the Cold War
"The Cold War reminds us that division creates fear,
but unity creates hope. For Filipinos, it showed the
power of alliances and resilience. As we face today’s
challenges, let’s choose cooperation over conflict and
work together to build a peaceful, thriving future."
"The Cold War's impact on Filipino politics is a
powerful reminder that global events aren't just
distant stories—they shape lives, communities, and
dreams right here at home. As we reflect on these
lessons, let us strive for a future where diplomacy
triumphs, peace prevails, and the shared humanity of
our world takes center stage."
