ARTICLES

A Vietnamese policewoman uses a mobile phone

18 Dec 2020

Could Vietnam Deploy a Social Credit System Like in China?

Nicolas Lainez

While Vietnam offers a favourable authoritarian environment, the inherent political risks may preclude its introduction.

2 Dec 2020

ASEAN’s Productive Year

Huong Le Thu

ASEAN has faced growing strategic rivalry in the Indo-Pacific, as well as unprecedented health and economic crises this year. While it might have struggled to retain its ability to bring the region together, Vietnam’s artful chairmanship has ensured that ASEAN has, for now, retained its ability to effectively channel regional cooperation.

ASEAN RCEP Vietnam

30 Nov 2020

Vietnam – US Relations Under the Biden Administration

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnamese should not pine over President Trump’s loss and fret over Joe Biden’s victory too much.

U.S. Foreign Policy U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

28 Oct 2020

Vietnam’s Ambitious Politicians: In Facebook We Trust

Dien Nguyen An Luong

Facebook poses a challenge to American lawmakers seeking to rein it in. In authoritarian countries such as Vietnam, however, the social media giant has become a handy accomplice and even a springboard for ambitious politicians.

Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

22 Sep 2020

General Secretary Trong’s Political Future: Stayin’ Alive

Le Hong Hiep

Mr Nguyen Phu Trong has been general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam for two terms, and party rules stipulate that the incumbent cannot hold the position for longer than that. But there is more than meets the eye.

Communist Party of Vietnam Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

4 Aug 2020

Vietnam’s Energy Future: Assessing the Nuclear Option

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam has recently floated plans to revive the nuclear power option. However, Vietnam does not need to develop nuclear power at all cost. Instead, it should focus efforts on developing renewable energy and gas-fired power plants, which are safer, more affordable and less controversial.

Nuclear Power Vietnam

23 Jul 2020

Vietnam: Managing Chinese Pressures around Vanguard Bank

Le Hong Hiep

As Vietnam’s recent decision to cancel deals for oil and gas activities in waters around Vanguard Bank caused significant financial and reputational damage, Hanoi should rethink its strategy to avoid similar incidents in the future.

China-Vietnam Relations Oil and Gas Exploration Vietnam