The recent attack by the China Coast Guard on a Philippine vessel within the Philippine exclusive economic zone is just one in a series of provocations. It begs the question, how did our diplomatic relations reach this point? While my fellow columnists will delve into the legal and political aspects, I’d like to provide a psychological and behavioral perspective.
What struck me about this development is that it’s sadly not surprising. We’ve been acquiescing to China since the previous administration, and this has established a troubling dynamic with them. This dynamic led them to further assert their claims in 2023, escalating the situation.
In psychology, there is a concept known as the “foot-in-the-door” phenomenon. It explains how agreeing to small favors can lead to agreeing to larger ones, even if they go against our own interests. This principle is often used in sales and persuasion. Asking for a small favor, like P5, creates an initial agreement and opens the “door” for requesting bigger amounts, ultimately leading to success in obtaining P500.
This phenomenon is relevant to diplomatic relations because negotiation is a central aspect. By constantly giving in to small requests that undermine our national interests, we set ourselves up to be taken advantage of in bigger ways. This strategy works partly because of our desire to be nice. However, prioritizing niceness over protecting our coast guards and fishermen is a mistake.
Niceness is not the same as kindness or goodness. Niceness focuses on avoiding offense and being pleasant, sometimes at the cost of allowing injustices to persist. Kindness, on the other hand, is about doing good for others without seeking recognition. In diplomatic negotiations, we must prioritize the good of our people and vulnerable groups, even if it requires taking firm and unpleasant stands.
Filipinos are known for their nice and hospitable nature, but we should not let that come at the expense of our own interests. Being good and kind sometimes means making tough decisions for the welfare of our country. It’s important to remember that short-term solutions driven by niceness can jeopardize our long-term leverage.
In summary, our history of acquiescence and the value we place on niceness have contributed to the current state of our diplomatic relations with China. To protect our national interests, we need to prioritize kindness and goodness while negotiating firmly for the welfare of our people.
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