HANOI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES
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Nguyen Thai Giao Thuy
VIETNAM'S CULTURAL DIPLOMACY
FROM A SOFT POWER PERSPECTIVE
(2001-2016)
Major: International Relations
Code: 62 31 02 06
SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL THESIS IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Hanoi-2019
Project completed at University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU Hanoi.
Scientific instructor:Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Nam Tien
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The thesis will be defended before the Doctoral Thesis Evaluation Council meeting at………………………………………………………….
At 20:00 on the day of the month of the year
Thesis can be found at:
National Library of Vietnam.
Information Center - Library, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
INTRODUCTION
Reason for choosing the topic
In today's era, cultural diplomacy plays a great role and significance for the development of a sustainable society. Culture is increasingly showing itself to be the most important driving force, a soft power for sustainable development, for humanitarian purposes, for people with authentic life and in relations between nations. Indeed, cultural diplomacy has created a foundation of trust between nations, from which political, economic and military planners can seek consensus and cooperation.
Reality shows that since the Cold War, cultural exchanges have been increasingly developed and have become a bridge connecting countries together, playing a very important role in reconciling peoples, repelling ethnic and religious conflicts and wars; at the same time, promoting countries to strengthen solidarity, friendship, mutual understanding, cooperation and development.
Therefore, promoting cultural diplomacy is a golden opportunity for Vietnam to learn many good things, absorb many good things, and select the cultural quintessence of countries and peoples in the world to enrich and enrich the cultural identity of Vietnam. On the other hand, implementing cultural diplomacy well also creates a catalyst to promote political diplomacy and economic diplomacy to continuously develop, aiming to strongly promote Vietnamese culture, especially promoting the cultural heritage values of our nation to international friends.
Although cultural diplomacy is still quite new in Vietnam, the importance of cultural diplomacy is receiving much attention from countries and our country. Therefore, the research on the topicVietnam's cultural diplomacy from a soft power perspective (2001-2016)for a PhD in International Relations is required.
2. Research objectives and tasks
2.1. Research objectives
- Comprehensive study of Vietnam's cultural diplomacy (2001-2016) from another perspective. That is, the soft power perspective of cultural diplomacy in Vietnam's foreign policy.
- Research on the implementation of Vietnam's cultural diplomacy (2001-2016) from the perspective of soft power.
- Research on factors affecting Vietnam's cultural diplomacy (2001-2016).
- Propose solutions to improve the effectiveness of Vietnam's cultural diplomacy activities with other countries in the coming time.
2.2. Research tasks
- Research the main directions of implementation of Vietnam's cultural diplomacy from 2001-2016 to enhance Vietnam's influence and integration process with other countries.
- Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the impact of countries in the region and the world on Vietnam's cultural diplomacy.
- Propose recommendations and forecast the prospects of Vietnam's cultural diplomacy in the future.
2.3. Research questions
With the topicVietnam's cultural diplomacy from a soft power perspective (2001-2016), the author identifies the research question as:
What is Vietnam's view on using cultural diplomacy to increase its soft power in international relations?
To support the research question, the thesis will attempt to address the following sub-questions:
Vietnam's policy of using cultural diplomacy to increase soft power.
The process of implementing cultural diplomacy to enhance a country's soft power in the international community.
Analyze the advantages and difficulties when Vietnam implements cultural diplomacy to enhance the country's soft power in international relations.
3. Research object and scope
3.1. Research subjects
Research on Vietnam's cultural diplomacy from the perspective of soft power (2001-2016)
3.2. Scope of research
- Space: Research on cultural diplomacy of some countries with geographical locations from America (USA) to Southeast Asia (China, Korea, Japan) to draw lessons for Vietnam on implementing cultural diplomacy to enhance the country's soft power in international relations.
-Time: The author chose the thesis research period from 2001-2016 because: Entering 2001, the opening year of the millennium, the world had to witness the terrorist attack at the US WTC financial and commercial center on September 11, which made countries change their perception of power. Hard power was no longer favored, instead, countries around the world used cultural diplomacy as a tool of soft power to affirm their country's position and image in the international community. For Vietnam, 2001 was the first year of implementing the Resolution of the 9th National Party Congress. Therefore, this year was very important and the Party's orientation was to continue to firmly adhere to the foreign policy of independence, autonomy, openness, multilateralization, and diversification of relations. And 2016 (the 12th National Congress) is a milestone marking the most dramatic change in Vietnam in strengthening the building and promoting national strength, comprehensive development, maintaining a peaceful environment, and enhancing its position in international relations.
- Content:Within the framework of the thesis, the author focuses on studying cultural diplomacy used by countries and Vietnam to increase soft power in diplomatic activities.
4. Research methods
To complete the thesis, the author applied the following approaches:
-Approach to theoretical foundations:Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh thought, the Party's viewpoints and guidelines to analyze the theories and reality of cultural diplomacy used as soft power in international relations.
-Historical approach:In the thesis, the author used this method to examine the movement of Vietnamese cultural diplomacy from 2001-2016 in the context of international integration.
-Analytical level approach:Based on the levels (individual, domestic, international and global) to analyze cultural diplomacy in international relations in the era of Globalization.Personal level(Individual level),The author will study some views of Vietnamese and foreign leaders on cultural diplomacy used as soft power in foreign policies of countries. Thereby, to understand the attitudes of countries in the region and the world towards the process of implementing cultural diplomacy of Vietnam. InDomestic level(Domestic level), the author will study the perceptions to implement cultural diplomacy at the public diplomacy level.National level(Inter-state level), studying the implementation processes of cultural activities at the state level. On this basis, the author will analyze the main implementation directions of Vietnam's cultural diplomacy to increase soft power in the international arena. Finally,Global level(Global level), at this level the author will analyze the current world situation, and how it affects the prospects of Vietnamese cultural diplomacy in international relations in the 21st century.
-Systems approach:Reviewing Vietnam's cultural diplomacy in the international system in general and the region in particular.
- Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach:Cultural diplomacy research is used as soft power by major countries and regions to help Vietnam put forth the most comprehensive policies, guidelines and viewpoints in foreign policy to increase its soft power with countries in international relations.
5. Contribution of the thesis
In terms of science:
Contribute to systematizing the theoretical basis of cultural diplomacy.
Research on the development of Vietnam's foreign policy.
Research solutions to improve Vietnam's cultural diplomacy in the coming time.
In practical terms:
Promote cultural, economic and political cooperation between Vietnam and other countries.
Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of Vietnam's cultural diplomacy from the impact of other countries.
Propose recommendations to promote and improve the effectiveness of Vietnam's cultural diplomacy in the coming time.
Provide additional reference materials for researchers and policy makers on Vietnamese cultural diplomacy.
New contributions of the thesis:
Providing a new perspective on Vietnam's cultural diplomacy from the perspective of soft power.
Contribute to the system of documents on the development of Vietnam's cultural diplomacy from the perspective of soft power.
6. Structure of the topic
In addition to the introduction, conclusion, author's research works and list of references, the thesis includes 4 chapters as follows:
Chapter 1:Research Overview
Chapter 2:Cultural Diplomacy - Theoretical Basis and Practice
Chapter 3:The reality of cultural diplomacy with the issue of increasing Vietnam's soft power (2001-2016)
Chapter 4:Some comments on Vietnam's cultural diplomacy from the perspective of soft power
CHAPTER 1. RESEARCH OVERVIEW
1.1. Theoretical basis of cultural diplomacy.
There are a number of research works by Vietnamese and foreign scholars that mention cultural diplomacy using soft power in international relations. Not only is it closely related to economic development but it is also related to many other areas of the country's cultural and social life. Therefore, the study of cultural diplomacy from the perspective of soft power in international relations has helped Vietnam enhance its overall national strength. In the international arena.
1.2. On cultural diplomacy in Vietnam's foreign policy
There are a number of domestic research projects analyzing the process of formation, operation and development of Vietnam's innovative foreign policy. Thereby, evaluating the outstanding achievements, drawing lessons, and pointing out the limitations that need to be overcome, in order to perfect foreign policy in general and cultural diplomacy in particular in the coming time. In order to be consistent with the development of the world situation in international relations.
1.3. On forecasting the prospects of Vietnam's cultural diplomacy in the coming time.
The documents of these research groups mainly focus on presenting cultural diversity and dialogue between cultures; analyzing characteristics, opportunities and challenges, and forecasting development trends of Vietnamese culture in the current context of globalization and international integration.
1.4. On cultural diplomacy in foreign policies of countries and its effects on Vietnam.
The authors have studied the experiences of some developed countries in cultural diplomacy, from which they have drawn some lessons for Vietnam, along with proposing directions and main solutions to promote the development of Vietnam's foreign culture on the basis of applying the viewpoints, guidelines, and foreign cultural policies of the Party and State and the practical foreign affairs activities in our country.
Chapter 2: CULTURAL DIPLOMACY - THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL BASIS
2.1. Soft power in international relations in the global erachemical
2.1.1. The concept of soft power in international relations
Soft power is the power of national convergence, cultural acceptance and international organization participation, the power to make others follow one's will voluntarily, it originates from the attraction of culture and form of consciousness. Soft power is the ideal result achieved through the attraction of culture and ideology rather than the coercive power of a country, can make another person believe in following oneself, or believe in the standards of behavior or regime set by oneself to behave according to one's ideas. To a very large extent, soft power is based on the persuasive power of information.
2.1.2. Manifestations of soft power in international relations
A country's soft power in international relations is based on three main resources:culture(at attractions),political value(applicable domestically and internationally), andforeign policy(when deemed legal and ethical)
2.1.3. The role of soft power in international relations
A nation's soft power is based primarily on three resources:Culture of a country(when this culture creates attraction for other countries),Value system(when a nation adheres to these values at home and abroad),foreign policy(when these policies are seen as reasonable in the eyes of other countries)
2.2. Cultural diplomacy – a tool of soft power in the 21st century
2.2.1. Concept of cultural diplomacy
Cultural diplomacy is considered a term to refer to a form of diplomacy in which the cultural factor occupies a dominant position. Although diplomacy and culture are two separate fields, they are closely linked together, in which culture is both the foundation and the tool and goal for diplomatic activities. In which, cultural diplomacy can be understood as the application and promotion of culture to do well in diplomacy as well as using diplomacy to honor and protect culture. Former President of Romania (1996-2000) Emil Constantinescu analyzed that: “Cultural diplomacy is the sum of activities implemented and on the basis of exchanging and communicating values, ideas, traditions, customs, identities and other forms of culture, with the aim of strengthening relationships, promoting cultural and social cooperation or promoting national interests; cultural diplomacy can be implemented by the state sector, the private sector and civil society.”
2.2.2. The role of cultural diplomacy as a tool of soft power in the 21st century
Political role
For large countries, cultural diplomacy is a way to expand their influence in the world. For small countries, cultural diplomacy is used to promote the country's image and enhance development. Through that, these countries will receive more attention to raise their voice in the international arena.
Economic role
Cultural diplomacy has always been emphasized in the foreign policies of developed countries. The main purpose of these countries in cultural diplomacy is to enhance and promote national influence in the international arena and also to achieve economic goals. The foundation for cultural diplomacy of developed countries is not only cultural, historical and traditional values but also modern art forms such as films, fashion, education, attracting investment, tourism and exploiting cultural industries.
2.2.3. The relationship between cultural diplomacy and soft power
Nowadays, in international relations the trend isdialogue, cooperation and peaceful coexistence among nationsis the mainstream. Therefore, cultural diplomacy is increasingly deployed as an effective tool to enhance cooperation between countries. The globalization process also creates conditions for more and more convenient communication and information exchange. That is also a reason why cultural diplomacy has achieved many achievements and received more attention.
In Vietnam, cultural diplomacy, together with economic diplomacy and political diplomacy, forms a “tripod” for modern diplomacy, an effective tool to implement the foreign policy of the Party and State. Inseparable from economic diplomacy and political diplomacy, cultural diplomacy has created and promoted the image of Vietnam to promote socio-economic development and enhance Vietnam’s position in the world.
2.3.1. Applying Ho Chi Minh's thought in implementing cultural diplomacy to increase soft power for Vietnam in the new period
Applying Ho Chi Minh's thought in implementing cultural diplomacy to increase soft power for Vietnam in the foreign policy of the Party and State at the present stage is really necessary.
2.3.2. Vietnam's perspective on cultural diplomacy
The viewpoint of the Vietnamese Party and State has been to use cultural diplomacy to implement goals and strategies in foreign politics to contribute to enhancing the understanding of other countries more deeply about the country, people and culture of Vietnam.
Chapter 3: THE CURRENT STATE OF CULTURAL DIPLOMACY WITH THE ISSUE OF INCREASING VIETNAM'S SOFT POWER (2001-2016)
3.1. Factors affecting Cultural Diplomacy Vietnam (2001-2016)
3.1.1. International context
In the early years of the 21st century, the most prominent event that had a strong impact on international life was the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11, 2001. However, fundamentally, the world situation in the early years of the 21st century compared to the late 90s (20th century) has not changed dramatically, the trend of peace, cooperation and development is still the major trend of the current era.
3.1.2. Regional context
ASEAN has made efforts to accelerate the process of building a community based on three pillars: security, economy, culture - society, strengthening intra-bloc connectivity, narrowing the development gap, and deepening relations with dialogue partners to maintain and promote the central role in the evolving structure in the region. There are still many challenges and obstacles, but the ASEAN community is always in a trend of solidarity to develop together.
3.1.3. Situation in Vietnam
World and regional movements at different levels have significant impacts on diplomacy in general and Vietnam's cultural diplomacy in particular.
The world's trend of peace, cooperation and development has created a more favorable environment for Vietnam to continue to effectively implement its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, openness, diversification and multilateralization of international relations.
3.2. The policy of using cultural diplomacy to increase Vietnam's soft power
3.2.1. The role of culture in Vietnam's foreign affairs
In the era of globalization, the role of culture in Vietnam's foreign affairs is to protect national culture, linked with expanding international exchanges to keep up with the development of the times. Actively participate in integration and exchange with other countries to build new values of contemporary Vietnamese culture, turning Vietnam into a regional and international cultural exchange address.
3.2.2. Vietnam's policy on using cultural diplomacy to increase soft power
Cultural diplomacy is one of the three tasks of Vietnamese diplomacy in the integration period (including political diplomacy, economic diplomacy and cultural diplomacy). The main task of cultural diplomacy is to introduce the image of the country, people and culture of Vietnam to the world. Through cultural diplomacy activities, international friends understand more about the country, people and culture of Vietnam, gradually building trust between both sides, bringing the partnership into depth, stability and sustainability.
3.3. The process of implementing cultural diplomacy to increase Vietnam's soft power (2001-2016)
3.3.1. Main directions of implementation of Vietnam's cultural diplomacy
On February 14, 2011, the Prime Minister approved the Decision on promulgationCultural diplomacy strategy to 2020,contributing to strengthening state management of cultural diplomacy. With the requirements of national development and international commitments, Vietnam has completed a synchronous system of cultural diplomacy policies in the overall comprehensive diplomacy of Vietnam, in which cultural diplomacy activities are integrated with socio-economic development plans of all levels, sectors and localities.
3.3.2. The process of implementing cultural diplomacy activities at the State level
State diplomacy is the relationship between governments between sovereign states, between the highest leaders of countries. This is the most common and popular type of diplomacy in international relations.
3.3.3. The process of implementing cultural diplomacy activities at the public diplomacy level
Public diplomacy focuses on the ways in which a country, a multilateral organization (such as the United Nations), or a nongovernmental organization establishes relations with nongovernmental actors in other countries. These actors may be individuals or mass organizations, or nongovernmental organizations.
Chapter 4: SOME COMMENTS ON VIETNAM'S CULTURAL DIPLOMACY FROM THE SOFT POWER PERSPECTIVE (2001-2016)
4.1. Comments
4.1.1. Achievements
From being besieged and embargoed, Vietnam has now established diplomatic relations with 180 countries, and economic, trade and investment relations with 224 countries and territories. Notably, for the first time in history, Vietnam has friendly and cooperative relations with all major countries and major economic and political centers in the world. Vietnam has created a framework for cooperative and friendly relations with all neighboring countries and regions.
4.1.2. Limitations
The limitations of cultural diplomacy in Vietnam's foreign policy that need to be quickly overcome are: policies and management mechanisms have not been fully developed.,Investment budget for cultural diplomacy is still limited, the quality and effectiveness of cultural diplomacy activities are not high.,Promotion work is still limited.
4.1.3. Impact
4.1.3.1. ASEAN
Vietnam's top priority when joining ASEAN is to unite with ASEAN member countries to build a peaceful, stable, cooperative, prosperous Southeast Asia with an increasingly important role and status in the international arena. ASEAN member countries all highly appreciate Vietnam's position and role. This is a favorable condition for Vietnam to reach an agreement on a partnership framework, but there are also many cases where partners proactively propose to establish a framework for relations with Vietnam.
4.1.3.2. Major countries
In relations with major countries, our Party and State give priority to expanding economic relations, expanding and diversifying markets, attracting more capital and technology for the cause of industrialization and modernization, and creating mutual benefits with partners.
4.1.3.3. Other countries
One of Vietnam's very important foreign policy directions is to continue expanding relations with independent and developing countries such as India, independent countries in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America... these countries have great development potential and an increasingly important position in the international arena.
4.2.Prospects and recommendations
4.2.1. Prospects
After 20 years of renovation, Vietnam has accumulated more experience in promoting cultural diplomacy as soft power in global power relations.
The first,The policy is to promote internal strength, at the same time take advantage of external strength, and combine it with national strength and the strength of the times of cultural diplomacy to help Vietnam reach out to the world in the integration period.
Monday,Raising awareness and importance of Vietnamese cultural diplomacy in International Relations.
Tuesday,Build close relationships with countries that hold important positions in Vietnam's foreign policy.
Wednesday,Developing people-to-people diplomacy aims to create a comprehensive strength for Vietnam's comprehensive diplomacy.
4.2.2. Recommendations
Mone is,It is necessary to perfect the theoretical system and raise awareness of cultural diplomacy activities for the whole society with the foundation of national interests.
Second,Strengthen research and forecasting on cultural diplomacy.
Third,Strengthen and improve the effectiveness of operations and form a network of Vietnamese cultural diplomacy abroad.
Four is,Promote cultural industry and foreign communications.
Five is,Promote the building of moral character, lifestyle, and awareness of respect for the law of Vietnamese people.
Sixth,Focus on training staff to do cultural diplomacy work.
Seven is,Closely combine multilateral cultural diplomacy with bilateral cultural diplomacy.
Eight is,Build and promote to strongly develop the country's brand.
Nine is,Develop external communication network.
Ten is,Improve the effectiveness of organizing cultural events at home and abroad.
CONCLUDE
PowerEach country's strength is determined by many factors, including the role of culture, one of the tools to demonstrate the soft power of that country. Entering the 21st century, countries, large or small, must use cultural diplomacy as an effective tool of soft power to affirm their country's image in the international community.There have been many studies surrounding the topic of cultural diplomacy and this thesis is no exception. What makes the author satisfied when choosing the topicVietnam's cultural diplomacy from a soft power perspective (2001-2016)to study because this is the time when the world and the region have had profound changes, which are the remarkable advances in science and technology, globalization and especially the events of September 11, 2001, which have strongly impacted the world situation in international relations. This has made the world's balance of power become multipolar, while increasing traditional and non-traditional security challenges and new global issues. However, the trend of peace, cooperation and development continues to be the common aspiration and interest of all nations. Vietnam in this period has also grasped and taken advantage of those progressive trends to enhance its position with cultural soft power in the international arena. The innovation of strategies in foreign policy through the 9th, 10th and 11th National Party Congresses has shown that Vietnam has recognized that cultural diplomacy is an indispensable pillar on diplomatic fronts.
Although Vietnam is among the small countries, in the process of development and international integration, Vietnam has quickly recognized the important role of cultural diplomacy. Therefore, the government and policy makers have put forward Vietnam's policies on the implementation and use of cultural diplomacy in dialogue, exchange and cooperation to increase the country's soft power in the international community. As we know, Vietnam is a country with thousands of years of cultural history, with the spirit of peace, diligence, creativity in nation building, and courage and determination to win in defending the country. During that long history, Vietnam has known how to use cultural diplomacy as a power for reconciliation and has achieved many successes in international relations. Today, Vietnam's cultural diplomacy is identified as one of the three pillars of national diplomacy. Cultural diplomacy activities have been and are being carried out regularly, comprehensively and constantly innovated. In the context of globalization, Vietnam has proactively and strongly implemented cultural diplomacy activities and achieved many important achievements. Among the country's general achievements in the process of innovation and international integration, cultural activities in political, economic, public diplomacy, people's diplomacy, etc. have made important contributions to maintaining a peaceful and stable environment; firmly protecting independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, national and ethnic interests; taking advantage of favorable conditions of international integration and external resources to serve the cause of national construction and development in general and national culture in particular.
In fact, cultural diplomacy has made an important contribution to Vietnam's successful completion of diplomatic missions in a convincing and effective manner. Cultural diplomacy activities have been carried out at many levels, sectors, fields and aspects, from the foreign affairs activities of the Party and the State to the foreign affairs activities of the people. Together with political diplomacy and economic diplomacy, cultural diplomacy has actively promoted the image of Vietnam, enhanced the country's position and international prestige, and practically contributed to the cause of defending the Fatherland, building and developing the country's economy. It can be seen that in bilateral relations at this stage, Vietnam has established many frameworks for strategic partnerships and comprehensive partnerships. And joining the World Trade Organization in 2006 marked Vietnam's strong integration into the world economy. Multilateral relations, at this time Vietnam was a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2008-2009 term. Along with holding many important leadership positions in international organizations such as Chairman of the ASEAN Standing Committee (ASC) for the 2000-2001 term, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat for the 2005-2006 term, ASEAN Chair in 2010, ASEAN Secretary General for the 2013-2017 term...
Along with the above advantages, it is impossible not to mention the difficulties that Vietnam has encountered in implementing cultural diplomacy in recent times. The biggest difficulty is that the awareness of the importance of cultural diplomacy is not uniform at the ministerial, sectoral and local levels, so the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy has not been implemented evenly. Secondly, the division of work and coordination between relevant agencies are sometimes overlapping, not really tight and smooth enough to create a comprehensive and highly effective strength. Thirdly, the resources for cultural diplomacy are still limited, making it difficult to organize many activities that are truly significant, leaving a resonance and creating effectiveness in the international arena.
With the birth of the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy to 2020 issued under Decision No. 208/QD-TTg dated February 14, 2011 of the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, in the coming time, the cultural factor as well as cultural diplomacy will make an important contribution to Vietnam completing its diplomatic tasks in a humane, convincing and effective manner. Implemented at many levels, sectors, fields and aspects, from the foreign affairs activities of the Party and State to the foreign affairs activities of the people, together with political diplomacy and economic diplomacy, cultural diplomacy has actively promoted the image of Vietnam, enhanced the country's international position and prestige, and practically contributed to the cause of protecting, building and developing the country's economy.
LIST OF AUTHOR'S WORKS
Nguyen Thai Giao Thuy (2019), "The role of national soft power in current international relations and its impacts on Vietnam".Ho Chi Minh City University of Education Science Journal,16(5), pp.165-172.
Nguyen Thai Giao Thuy (2019), "The correlation between cultural diplomacy and soft power in international relations in the 21st century".Journal of Indian and Asian Studies,No. 6 (79), June 2019, pp. 39-44.
Author:ussh
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