The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) took part in the first International Relations Seminar organized by the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans of the Philippine Army (PA) and held on 20-21 January 2015 at the Philippine Army Officers’ Clubhouse, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. The two-day seminar aimed to enhance the knowledge of PA officials and personnel on the theoretical foundations of International Relations (IR) as well as broaden their perspective on contemporary geopolitical and security issues.

FSI Deputy Director General Julio S. Amador III gave a lecture on the evolution of the international society and the different theories of IR.

 Foreign Affairs Research Specialists from FSI’s Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies (CIRSS) also served as lecturers for the seminar. Louie Dane C. Merced provided a scan of the regional and international environments and how these impact Philippine national security and interests. Mary Fides A. Quintos discussed critical issues affecting maritime security with emphasis on the arbitration case filed by the Philippine government regarding the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.