Aries Arugay


Aries A. Arugay is a Filipino political scientist and professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where he serves as the department chair of political science. He is recognized for his expertise in democratization, civil-military relations, and Southeast Asian politics.

Early life and education

Aries A. Arugay graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 2000. He later completed a Master of Arts in political science from the same university in 2004. In 2014, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy in political science from Georgia State University as a Fulbright Fellow.

Career and research

Policy engagement

Aries A. Arugay has made significant contributions to public policy discussions and analysis in the Philippines. He regularly provides expert commentary on:
  • Democratic institutions and processes: Analyzing the functioning and challenges of democratic governance in the Philippines.
  • Regional security issues: Examining geopolitical dynamics and security challenges in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
  • Civil-military relations: Investigating the role of the military in politics and governance.
  • Social media's impact on politics: Exploring how digital platforms influence political discourse and electoral processes.
In 2022, Arugay offered critical analysis of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s first 100 days in office, evaluating the administration's early performance and policy directions.

Social media and disinformation research

Arugay has conducted extensive research on the role of social media in electoral processes and democratic discourse. His work includes analysis of disinformation campaigns on platforms like TikTok and their impact on Philippine politics. For example, his collaborative study on disinformation in the Philippines and Thailand, titled "From Likes to Lies: Disinformation in the Philippines and Thailand", highlights the growing influence of digital platforms on political behavior and public opinion.

Awards and recognition

Arugay has received several prestigious awards for his academic contributions, including: