How to Stand up to a Dictator is deeply rooted in the Philippines’ complex journey towards democracy, a struggle that has been marked by periods of authoritarianism, popular uprisings, and ongoing challenges to democratic institutions.

The modern struggle for democracy in the Philippines can be traced back to the Marcos era. Ferdinand Marcos, elected president in 1965, declared martial law in 1972, effectively establishing a dictatorship. During his regime, Marcos and his allies amassed enormous wealth through corruption, while many Filipinos suffered under political repression and economic hardship. This period saw the suppression of free media, with Marcos shutting down major news outlets like ABS-CBN.

Marcos’s assassination of opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., in 1983 marked a turning point. His death galvanized popular opposition to Marcos, culminating in the People Power Revolution of 1986. This peaceful uprising saw millions of Filipinos take to the streets. The revolution forced Marcos from power and installed Corazon Aquino, Ninoy’s widow, as president. The People Power Revolution became a model for non-violent protest movements worldwide and ushered in a period of democratic restoration in the Philippines. However, the transition was not without challenges. The new democracy faced multiple coup attempts, highlighting the fragility of the newly established order.