At the core of the workshop was a collaborative research project exploring Vietnam’s balancing strategy in its relations with major powers. As geopolitical competition intensifies, Vietnam has adopted a nuanced and adaptive approach that emphasizes strategic autonomy, multilateral engagement, and institutional resilience. By providing a timely platform for dialogue, the workshop assessed how Vietnam’s foreign policy model contributes to regional stability and offers valuable insights for other middle powers facing similar challenges.
Key Takeaways:
Presentations on Vietnam's diplomatic strategy, neutrality, and regional cooperation with other middle powers highlighted several key insights:
- Strategic Autonomy through Bamboo Diplomacy: Vietnam pursues a flexible yet principled foreign policy, maintaining independence while balancing relations with major powers.
- Institutionalized Balancing: Vietnam’s foreign policy is deeply embedded within its political system, enabling consistent and credible strategic behaviour over time.
- Legal and Practical Constraints on Sovereignty: While nationalism and historical experiences shape Vietnam’s strong sovereignty stance, international treaties and great power dynamics impose limitations.
- Middle Power Cooperation: Vietnam, Indonesia, and Australia can jointly shape regional order through functional specialization in areas such as climate change, security, and trade.
- ASEAN as Shield and Amplifier: Vietnam leverages ASEAN to extend its diplomatic reach and safeguard strategic interests amid great-power rivalry.
- Soft Power and Nation Branding: Through cultural diplomacy and strategic communication, Vietnam reinforces its international legitimacy and enhances its global image.
As the international system faces challenges and is being transformed, Vietnam’s diplomatic equilibrium will continue to evolve. The workshop underscored the importance of academic collaboration and policy dialogue in shaping sustainable, forward-looking foreign policy. Ultimately, Vietnam’s approach represents not only a national strategy but also a meaningful contribution to regional peace, cooperation, and sustainable development. Its experience offers valuable lessons for countries seeking to preserve autonomy while engaging constructively with the global system.
Through platforms such as this workshop, KAS continues to promote meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding between Vietnam, ASEAN, Germany, and the broader international community.
