1. Full name of PhD student: Thai Hoang Hanh Nguyen 2. Gender: Female
3. Date of birth: June 7, 1988 4. Place of birth: Ho Chi Minh City
5. Decision to recognize PhD 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 during the training process (if any): change the topic name according to Decision No. 5343/QD-XHNV
7. Thesis topic: US digital diplomacy from 2009 to present
8. Major: International Relations 9. Code: 9310601.01
10. Scientific advisors: Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Nam Tien – Dr. Pham Thi Thu Huyen
11. Summary of new results of the thesis:
Research objectivesof the thesisis to clarify US digital diplomacy (viewpoints, goals, implementation methods, results) in the period from 2009 to 2024, from which we can make predictions about US digital diplomacy as well as draw policy implications for Vietnam.
To achieve the above research objectives, the thesis will focus ondeploy themission as follows: (i) overview of the research situation related to digital diplomacy in general and digital diplomacy of the United States; (ii) analyze the theoretical basis and practical basis of digital diplomacy of the United States from 2009 to present; (iii) analyze the viewpoints, goals, tools and platforms, organizational models and institutions of digital diplomacy of the United States from 2009 to present; (iv) provide assessments, impacts and forecasts for digital diplomacy of the United States; (v) provide policy implications for Vietnam.
Research subjects:US digital diplomacy from 2009 to 2024.
To achieve the proposed research objectives, the thesis usesapproachof soft power and smart power theories to examine the role of related factors (information technology, national image, etc.) to explain the theoretical basis in forming policy goals and ways of implementing digital diplomacy of the United States in 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 method are applied in a variety of ways. To complete this thesis, due to the relevance and connection of different fields when applying digital diplomacy, many research methods are applied in this research thesis depending on each stage of research implementation as well as serving the identification of different contents and objectives of the thesis. In particular, the research methods that must be mentioned include qualitative research methods, quantitative research methods, analysis and synthesis methods, policy analysis methods, comparative methods, historical methods and logical methods, typical case analysis methods and impact factor analysis methods.
Key results:
Overview of research works on digital diplomacy globally in general and US digital diplomacy in particular by foreign and Vietnamese scholars to find research gaps.
Systematize and clarify the concept of digital diplomacy and related theoretical issues as well as the foundations of US digital diplomacy from 2009 to present. This thesis clarifies the content of digital diplomacy in three main aspects: (i) goals; (ii) subjects; (iii) implementation methods. From the perspective of soft power theory, digital diplomacy helps build and maintain the friendly image of the United States as well as enhance the prestige of the United States, strengthen the trust of the international public; and from the perspective of smart power, digital diplomacy is the combination and application of technology as a form of diplomacy in today's digital context.
Clarifying the practice of implementing US digital diplomacy from 2009 to 2024 through (i) the US perspective on digital diplomacy; (ii) policy goals of US digital diplomacy; (iii) tools and platforms used in US digital diplomacy; and (iv) organizational and institutional models.
Assessing the impact of US digital diplomacy on the United States and the world as well as analyzing the influencing factors including politics, economics, society, technology, environment and law, the political factor has a direct impact on other factors in the process of implementing digital diplomacy as well as making predictions for US digital diplomacy.
Finally, it provides policy implications for Vietnam when implementing digital diplomacy.
New contributions of the thesis
Scientifically, this thesis can be considered a systematic research work in Vietnam on US digital diplomacy from 2009 to present. Therefore, the thesis can become a systematic reference material to help grasp the US's promotion of digital diplomacy over the past time. In terms of theoretical basis, the thesis contributes to consolidating theories related to digital diplomacy. In practice, through analyzing the US's practice of applying digital diplomacy to its foreign policy, the thesis hopes to make practical contributions by making predictions for US digital diplomacy in the future. In addition, recommendations and policy implications for Vietnam will also be mentioned. Through that, this study also has suggestive values related to the study of digital diplomacy to help Vietnam adapt to the context of globalization and digitalization.
Conclude:
Through the research process, the thesis "Digital Diplomacy of the United States from 2009 to present" has shown the interest of the US government in this diplomatic method for more than a decade. Technology and communication in the world have really developed since President Obama took office from his first term until the time of President Joe Biden, which has brought advantages in implementing digital diplomacy but also has certain limitations. Digital diplomacy can reach many public groups as well as have influence not only in terms of actual political power but also in cyberspace. The future of the world is the future of technology and digitalization, which means that any country that knows how to take advantage of digital diplomacy in its foreign policy is the country that has a competitive advantage in terms of image. The United States is a country that always promotes this form of diplomacy, so learning and gaining experience from the United States will help other countries, including Vietnam, to have effective implementation methods.
12. Future research directions: Further research on US digital diplomacy with countries and territories after 2024.
13. Publications related to the thesis:
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 followingtasks: (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 Planning and Investment
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