Modern Vietnamese Military Strategy: Product of Sino-Vietnamese History and Implications for US Vietnamese Strategy
Abstract
Vietnam's historical experiences and relationship with China provides a strategic example of successfully resisting the ascendant Red Dragon. Vietnam has employed a sophisticated strategy to offset its domineering northern neighbor and maintain its independence. Vietnam's foreign policy towards China is primarily driven by internal political balancing between defiance and deference. This balancing has shaped Vietnam's hedging foreign policy which seeks to offset China through friendly interactions while building and maintaining relationships with nations that can counter Chinese actions. Vietnam's military strategy derives from this hedging strategy. As the US continues its pivot to the Asia-Pacific region and seeks to find a successful strategy in regards to China's rise, its relations with Vietnam have slowly increased but can still improve. Understanding how Vietnam has successfully resisted China throughout history and the role history has played in shaping Vietnam's military strategy can inform a more efficient and effective US strategy towards Vietnam.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 06, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1176490
Entities
People
- Seth E. Dewey
Organizations
- Marine Corps University