Mythos and Melodrama in the Philippines (Throwback)

Throughline

23-05-2024 • 51 mins

Welcome to the "Epic of Marcos." In this tale of a family that's larger than life, Ferdinand Marcos, the former dictator of the Philippines, is at the center. But the figures that surround him are just as important: Imelda, his wife and muse; Bongbong, his heir; and the United States, his faithful sidekick. The story of the Marcos family is a blueprint for authoritarianism, laying out clearly how melodrama, paranoia, love, betrayal and a hunger for power collide to create a myth capable of propelling a nation. Today on the show, the rise, fall, and resurrection of a dynasty — and what that means for democracy worldwide.

To access bonus episodes and listen to Throughline sponsor-free, subscribe to Throughline+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/throughline.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

You Might Like

History Daily
History Daily
Airship | Noiser | Wondery
The Ancients
The Ancients
History Hit
Dark History
Dark History
Audioboom Studios
The Rest Is History
The Rest Is History
Goalhanger Podcasts
Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra
Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra
Rachel Maddow, MSNBC
Lore
Lore
Aaron Mahnke
History Extra podcast
History Extra podcast
Immediate Media
Gone Medieval
Gone Medieval
History Hit
Tides of History
Tides of History
Wondery / Patrick Wyman