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 ==