This page commemorates the 80th anniversary of the school's tradition and 30 years of development.University of Social Sciences and Humanities
1. Full name of doctoral candidate: Thai Hoang Hanh Nguyen 2. Gender: Female
3. Date of birth: June 7, 1988 4. Place of birth: Ho Chi Minh City
5. Decision on admission of doctoral students: Decision No. 2949/2021/QD-XHNV-DT dated December 28, 2021, of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
6. Changes in the training process (if any): change of topic title according to Decision No. 5343/QD-XHNV
7. Thesis Title: Digital Diplomacy of the United States from 2009 to the Present
8. Major: International Relations 9. Code: 9310601.01
10. Scientific supervisors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Nam Tien – Dr. Pham Thi Thu Huyen
11. Summary of the new findings of the thesis:
Research objectivesof the thesisThe aim is to clarify the US digital diplomacy (perspectives, goals, implementation methods, and results) from 2009 to 2024, thereby making predictions about US digital diplomacy and drawing policy implications for Vietnam.
To achieve the research objectives outlined above, this thesis will focus on:implement themission The objectives are as follows: (i) to provide an overview of research related to digital diplomacy in general and US digital diplomacy in particular; (ii) to analyze the theoretical and practical foundations of US digital diplomacy from 2009 to the present; (iii) to analyze the perspectives, goals, tools, platforms, organizational models, and institutions of US digital diplomacy from 2009 to the present; (iv) to provide an assessment, impact, and forecast for US digital diplomacy; and (v) to offer policy implications for Vietnam.
Research subjects:U.S. digital diplomacy from 2009 to 2024.
To achieve the research objectives set forth, the thesis utilizes...approachThis thesis examines the theories of soft power and smart power to consider the role of related factors (information technology, national image, etc.) in order to explain the theoretical basis for the formation of policy objectives and the implementation of digital diplomacy in the United States during the period 2009-2024. In this thesis, the levels of analysis in international relations, including the international system level, the national level, and the individual level, are used for analysis.
Theresearch methods A diverse range of methods are employed. To complete this thesis, due to the interrelationships and connections between different fields when applying digital diplomacy, numerous research methods are employed depending on the research phase and to serve the assessment of different contents and objectives of the thesis. These methods include qualitative research, quantitative research, analysis and synthesis, policy analysis, comparative research, historical and logical methods, case analysis, and factor analysis.
Key results:
This overview of research on digital diplomacy globally, and specifically on US digital diplomacy, by both foreign and Vietnamese scholars, helps identify research gaps.
This thesis systematizes and clarifies the concept of digital diplomacy and related theoretical issues, as well as the foundations of US digital diplomacy from 2009 to the present. The thesis clarifies the content of digital diplomacy in three main aspects: (i) objectives; (ii) subjects; and (iii) implementation methods. From the perspective of soft power theory, digital diplomacy helps build and maintain a friendly image of the United States, enhance US prestige, and strengthen international public trust; while from the perspective of smart power, digital diplomacy is the combination and application of technology as a form of diplomacy in today's digitalized context.
Clarifying the practice of U.S. digital diplomacy from 2009 to 2024 through (i) the U.S. perspective on digital diplomacy; (ii) the policy objectives of U.S. digital diplomacy; (iii) the tools and platforms used in U.S. digital diplomacy; and (iv) organizational and institutional models.
Assessing the impact of US digital diplomacy on the United States and the world, and analyzing the influencing factors including political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal aspects, it is evident that political factors have a direct impact on other elements in the implementation of digital diplomacy, as well as providing predictions for US digital diplomacy.
Finally, the aim is to provide policy implications for Vietnam when implementing digital diplomacy.
Novel contributions of the thesis
Scientifically, this thesis can be considered a systematic study in Vietnam on the United States' digital diplomacy from 2009 to the present. Therefore, it can serve as a systematic reference document to understand the United States' advancement in digital diplomacy over the past period. From a theoretical standpoint, the thesis contributes to strengthening theories related to digital diplomacy. Practically, through analyzing the practical application of digital diplomacy in the United States' foreign policy, the thesis aims to make a practical contribution by outlining predictions for the future of US digital diplomacy. Furthermore, policy recommendations and implications for Vietnam will also be discussed. Through this, the study also offers valuable insights into the study of digital diplomacy, helping Vietnam adapt to the context of globalization and digitalization.
Conclude:
Through its research, the thesis "U.S. Digital Diplomacy from 2009 to the Present" has demonstrated the U.S. government's interest in this form of diplomacy over the past decade. The rapid development of technology and communication worldwide, from President Obama's first term to President Joe Biden's, has presented both advantages and limitations to the implementation of digital diplomacy. Digital diplomacy can reach a wider audience and exert influence not only in terms of real-world political power but also in cyberspace. The future of the world is the future of technology and digitalization; this means that any nation that knows how to leverage digital diplomacy in its foreign policy will have a competitive advantage in terms of its image. The United States has always promoted this form of diplomacy, so learning from its experience will help other countries, including Vietnam, to find effective ways to implement it.
12. Future research directions: Further research into the United States' digital diplomacy with countries and territories after 2024.
13. Publications related to the dissertation:
Thai Hoang Hanh Nguyen (2022), “US Digital Diplomacy in ASEAN during the COVID-19 Pandemic”Proceedings of the 7thInternational Conference on International Relations and Development (ICIRD), Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development (RCSD) Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand, pp. 604-618, ISBN (e-book): 978-616-398-852-2.
Thai Hoang Hanh Nguyen (2022), “Digital Diplomacy During COVID-19 Pandemic: Vietnam's 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship As A Case Study”,Proceedings of the International Conference “COVID-19 and International Relations”, World Publishing House, Hanoi, pp. 389-403, ISBN: 978-604-365-963-4.
Thai Hoang Hanh Nguyen (2023), “Application of Japanese Digital Diplomacy Toward Vietnam”,Cultural Diplomacy and Cultural Relations Collaboration/ Diversity / Dialogue, pp. 114-127, University of Arts in Belgrade, ISBN 978-86-7167-066-1.
Thai Hoang Hanh Nguyen (2023), “Digital Diplomacy: US Strategy to Promote the National Image and the Implications for Vietnam”,2023 International Graduate Research Symposium at the University of Languages and International Studies (2023 IGRS), pp. 558-567, ISBN: 978-604-384-167-1.
Thai Hoang Hanh Nguyen (2023), “Canadian digital diplomacy on the Facebook platform in Vietnam”,HUFLIT Science Magazine, 8(1), 26, pp. 26-33, ISSN: 2554-113X.
Thai Hoang Hanh Nguyen (2024), “Digital Diplomacy and its Role in Current US Foreign Policy”,Second International Conference on the Issues of Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, pp. 350–361, Vietnam National University Press, Hanoi, pp. 350 – 361, ISBN: 978-604-43-1656-7.
Thai Hoang Hanh Nguyen (2024), “Digital Diplomacy: Opportunities and Challenges Faced by ASEAN in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Era”, Southeast Asia: Interests and Discontents, Wenzao Ursuline University Press, Taiwan, pp. 288 – 307, ISBN: 978-986-6585-67-8.
INFORMATION ON DOCTORAL THESIS
The main researchobjectiveis to clarify the United States' digital diplomacy (its perspectives, objectives, implementation methods, and outcomes) during the period from 2009 to 2024. Based on this analysis, the thesis aims to provide forecasts for US digital diplomacy as well as draw policy implications for Vietnam.
To achieve the stated research objective, the thesis focuses on carrying out the followingtools: (i) provide an overview of the research related to digital diplomacy in general and US digital diplomacy in particular; (ii) analyze the theoretical and practical foundations of US digital diplomacy from 2009 to the present; (iii) examine the perspectives, objectives, tools and platforms, organizational models, and institutional frameworks of US digital diplomacy; (iv) offer evaluations, analyze impacts, and present forecasts regarding US digital diplomacy; (v) proposes policy implications for Vietnam.
Research Subject:US digital diplomacy from 2009 to 2024.
To achieve the stated research objectives, the thesis adopts the theoretical approaches of soft power and smart power to examine the roles of relevant factors (such as information technology, national image, etc.), thereby providing a theoretical foundation for the formation of policy objectives and the implementation of US digital diplomacy during the period from 2009 to 2024. In this thesis, the levels of analysis in international relations - including the international system level, the national level, and the individual level - are employed to conduct a comprehensive analysis.
A diverse range ofresearch methodsis applied in this thesis, depending on each phase of the research process. Notably, the research methods used include qualitative research methods, quantitative research methods, analytical and synthetic methods, policy analysis methods, comparative methods, historical and logical methods, case studies, and impact analysis methods. These methods collectively support a comprehensive and multidimensional examination of US digital diplomacy from 2009 to 2024.
Key Findings:
Comprehensive overview of existing research:The thesis presents an overview of global research on digital diplomacy in general and US digital diplomacy in particular, conducted by both international and Vietnamese scholars. This review helps identify research gaps that the thesis aims to address.
Clarification and systematization of concepts and theories:The study systematizes and clarifies the concept of digital diplomacy, related theoretical issues, and the foundations of US digital diplomacy from 2009 to the present three main dimensions: (i) Objectives; (ii) actors; (iii) Implementation methods. From the soft power perspective, digital financing contributes to building and maintaining a friendly image of the United States, enhancing its credibility and reinforcing international public trust. Under the lens of smart power, digital diplomacy is seen as the integration of technology into diplomatic practices in today's digitalized context.
US Digital Diplomacy Practice (2009–2024):The thesis explains the practical implementation of US digital diplomacy through: (i) US perspectives on digital diplomacy; (ii) Policy objectives of US digital diplomacy; (iii) Tools and platforms; (iv) Organizational models and institutional structures.
Impact Assessment and Influencing Factors:The thesis evaluates the impact of US digital diplomacy on both the United States and the international community. It also analyzed factors across six domains: political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal.
Policy Implications for Vietnam:the thesis proposes policy implications for Vietnam in developing and implementing its own digital diplomacy strategy, drawing lessons from the US experience.
Conclusion:
Through the research process, the thesis has demonstrated the consistent attention and strategic interest of the US government in this form of diplomacy over more than a decade. The global development of technology and communication, beginning with President Obama's first term and continuing through to the administration of President Joe Biden, has created favorable conditions for the implementation of digital diplomacy, although certain limitations still exist. Digital diplomacy allows for engagement with diverse public audiences and has influence not only in terms of traditional political power but also in shaping influence within the digital realm. The future of the world is, undeniably, the future of technology and digitalization. This implies that any country that can effectively leverage digital diplomacy in its foreign policy will gain a competitive advantage in terms of national image and soft power. The United States has been a motivating and leading nation in promoting digital diplomacy. Therefore, learning from the US experience will provide valuable insights and practical lessons for other countries, including Vietnam, to develop and implement their own effective digital diplomacy strategies.
Further research directions:US Digital Diplomacy with Countries and Territories after 2024.
Thai Hoang Hanh Nguyen (2022), “US Digital Diplomacy in ASEAN during the COVID-19 Pandemic”Proceedings of the 7thInternational Conference on International Relations and Development (ICIRD), Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development (RCSD) Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand, pp. 604-618, ISBN (e-book): 978-616-398-852-2.
Thai Hoang Hanh Nguyen (2022), “Digital Diplomacy During COVID-19 Pandemic: Vietnam's 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship As A Case Study”,Proceedings of the International Conference “COVID-19 and International Relations”, World Publishing House, Hanoi, pp. 389-403, ISBN: 978-604-365-963-4.
Thai Hoang Hanh Nguyen (2023), “Application of Japanese Digital Diplomacy Toward Vietnam”,Cultural Diplomacy and Cultural Relations Collaboration/ Diversity / Dialogue, pp. 114-127, University of Arts in Belgrade, ISBN 978-86-7167-066-1.
Thai Hoang Hanh Nguyen (2023), “Digital Diplomacy: US Strategy to Promote the National Image and the Implications for Vietnam”,2023 International Graduate Research Symposium at the University of Languages and International Studies (2023 IGRS), pp. 558-567, ISBN: 978-604-384-167-1.
Thai Hoang Hanh Nguyen (2023), “Canadian digital diplomacy on the Facebook platform in Vietnam”,HUFLIT Science Magazine, 8(1), 26, pp. 26-33, ISSN: 2554-113X.
Thai Hoang Hanh Nguyen (2024), “Digital Diplomacy and its Role in Current US Foreign Policy”,Second International Conference on the Issues of Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, pp. 350–361, Vietnam National University Press, Hanoi, pp. 350 – 361, ISBN: 978-604-43-1656-7.
Thai Hoang Hanh Nguyen (2024), “Digital Diplomacy: Opportunities and Challenges Faced by ASEAN in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Era”, Southeast Asia: Interests and Discontents, Wenzao Ursuline University Press, Taiwan, pp. 288 – 307, ISBN: 978-986-6585-67-8.
Author:Department of Training & Hazardous Waste
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