研究方法採取歷史研究法，研究目的在於增進國人對東南亞區域了解。 第一章內環境因素。包括社會結構、民族社義、民主與政治穩定共三節。第二章美國 與菲律賓─不平等但親密的夥伴。包括特殊關係的支配、經濟的利益、共同安全與軍 事防衛、基地問題共四節。第三章參與東南亞次體系的活動。包括沙巴要求權、亞洲 政策、區域組織與區域主義共三節。第四章衝突的國際範圍。包括韓戰、外交政策的 轉向、回教徙的叛亂與外交政策、越單共四節。最後結論，對菲律賓外交政策加以評 估。

這份研究將探討蘇祿蘇丹國是如何成為大馬來世界的一份子，以及菲律賓索回沙巴的主張. 菲律賓是蘇祿蘇丹政治主權的繼任者。本研究主要探討菲律賓索回沙巴州的歷史和法律依據。 歷史紀錄指出，這塊有爭議的土地曾屬於蘇祿蘇丹租借給一間英國特許公司的創辦者。之後由英國王室所保護的這塊土地後來成為英國兼併馬來西亞和殖民的基礎。最終，沙巴被納入馬來西亞聯邦。 / The recent incident where followers of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III landed in Lahad Datu Village in Sabah, Malaysia to assert the pending Philippine territorial claim has sparked one of the biggest security threats in the region. The dispute has disrupted the diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the Philippines, both being members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This study argues that the settlement to the dispute depends on whether the Philippines has a legal and valid claim according to the principles of international law. Similarly, the issue can also be resolved with recourse to a regional agency like ASEAN. Additionally, it is essential that an unbiased analysis of Malaysia’s argument be undertaken based on international law. Peaceful methods of settlement should be the goal for both states. Stability and security are a prerequisite for development; therefore, a peaceful environment will provide a proper setting for sustainable economic growth.