Understanding the Philippines

I am reading In Our Image: America's Empire in the Philippines, and am finding it interesting.

America's decision to acquire this possession, was one of its biggest blunders. And has resulted in another failed country, that they are responsible for.

America tried to make the Philippines like itself - but failed completely.

Largely because the Filipinos themselves, made this impossible. But also because the Americans accommodated themselves to its corruption - instead of fixing it.

Geographically, the Philippines are part of Asia, very far from the US - but close to China.