1. Full name of doctoral candidate: Hoang Cam Thanh 2. Gender: Female
3. Date of birth: June 11, 1986 4. Place of birth: Vung Tau
5. Decision on admitting doctoral students: No. 3618/2018/QD-XHNV dated December 4, 2018, of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
6. Changes to the training process (if any):
- Extension document No. 2689/QD-XHNV-DT dated December 6, 2021.
- Extension document No. 3674/QD-XHNV dated December 7, 2022.
- Decision on adjusting the title of the doctoral dissertation of research student Hoang Cam Thanh, No. 1602/QD-XHNV dated June 23, 2022.
7. Thesis title: Vietnam-US Defense Relations 2001-2018
8. Major: International Relations 9. Code: 9310601.01
10. Scientific supervisor:
- Instructor 1: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Nam Tien
- Instructor 2: Dr. Nguyen Thi My Hanh
11. Summary of the new findings of the thesis:
The purpose of this study is to understand the development of Vietnam-US defense relations from 2001 to 2018 from a Realist perspective. The research will focus on Vietnam-US defense relations from 2001 to 2018. The study will analyze two aspects. Firstly, the role of the United States as a major power in shaping and determining this relationship through changes in perspective, strategy, and implementation measures in the Asia-Pacific region, and examining the rise of China through various stages. Secondly, from Vietnam's perspective, how has it steadfastly utilized opportunities for cooperation in the field of national security and defense in the face of power competition from major powers to strengthen its long-term strategic relationship with the United States? In terms of scope, the study will examine areas of cooperation related to national security and defense between the two sides through US aid programs to Vietnam. These programs were provided and implemented by the U.S. Department of Defense or a combination of the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of State for Vietnam from 2001 to 2018. The research period is limited to 2001-2018. The thesis is divided into two phases: 2001-2008 – corresponding to the two terms of President George W. Bush – and 2009-2018 – corresponding to the two terms of President Barack Obama and the early years of President Donald Trump. To address the research question: How did the development of Vietnam-U.S. relations in the field of defense unfold?, the thesis will apply Realism theory to construct an analytical framework and tracing methodology, including: Defining the theoretical research framework; establishing the research time limit and listing events in chronological order; and presenting arguments. Simultaneously, the thesis will apply historical research methods to collect, organize, and analyze data. Key conclusions of the thesis include:
Regarding the first argument, "bilateral defense relations depend on how the United States views the region, particularly the China factor. The way relations with Vietnam are conducted reflects the US vision regarding China's growing power and challenges." The thesis describes the strategic and policy changes of the US in general and towards the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the perception and assessment of China's role through different periods from 2001 to 2018. From 1995 to 2000, while the US did not focus on strategic cooperation with Vietnam, it already had a certain vision and priorities in defense cooperation. This shaped the long-term relationship with Vietnam. From 2001 to 2008, the US was pursuing the global war on terrorism, and interests in the Asian region were not a primary policy focus. Strategic relations with Vietnam, if any, would further reinforce the goal of global counter-terrorism. Between 2009 and 2018, the US strategic shift, in which China played a key role in its "return" to the Asia-Pacific, significantly impacted the development of US-Vietnam defense cooperation. From the US perspective, through cooperation programs, the US increased its involvement and presence in the region, while Vietnam benefited from capacity building and gained certain advantages from security and defense-related cooperation programs.
The second argument of the thesis is: “Vietnam takes advantage of areas of cooperation that align with its adjusted goals and interests in each stage. These areas of cooperation help Vietnam avoid “falling into a state of insecurity” in its defense relations with the United States.” When analyzing all the areas in which Vietnam received funding from the US from 2000 to 2018, the “states of insecurity” (the ideological differences between the two sides, the influence of the past from the war between the two countries, Vietnam’s concerns about peaceful evolution activities, and the actual commitments from the US) do not seem to be obstacles to the areas of cooperation analyzed above. Initially, Vietnam was hesitant about US training programs, but once it agreed to participate, Vietnam seems to have benefited, and the number of personnel sent for training has steadily increased. Similarly, receiving funding from these programs helps increase capacity and build infrastructure. And this, as Realist theory explains, assumes that, regardless of the institution, the nation, as a single entity, will calculate how to achieve its interests. The results presented in the section on bilateral defense relations demonstrate this. Thus, the nature and extent of cooperation between the two countries depend on the circumstances and environment, reflected in how much the US is interested in the China factor and how much resources it invests in Southeast Asia – and with Vietnam, in terms of Vietnam's proactive approach and choices at different stages. It can be seen that, as a large country, the US has many resources and policy options. Vietnam – as a smaller country – although limited in its choices, through the manifestations and analyses above, can decide how far to advance bilateral defense relations. This is further demonstrated by the fact that Vietnam has considerable "space" to choose from and can leverage its advantages to increase security and defense cooperation with the US to a certain extent. From this, the US has adjusted its approach to Vietnam to a more balanced, closed-off manner. The results of this cooperation have helped Vietnam enhance its capabilities while simultaneously strengthening US access and presence in the region.
12. Further Research Directions: The thesis could continue to explore the following aspects to contribute to the analysis of Vietnam-US defense relations. In terms of research methodology, the study will utilize interviews with individuals involved in the planning and implementation of defense cooperation between the two sides. This approach will broaden the research towards a historical perspective, potentially describing the defense relations between the two countries over different periods and providing insights from those involved. This will reveal other aspects of this relationship beyond the written statements and agreements between the two sides.
In reality, defense relations between Vietnam and the United States in the areas of military cooperation and arms sales are not extensive. Therefore, research could focus on explaining the reasons for this. Why, despite praise for the achievements and successes of both sides, and ongoing progress in other areas related to national security and defense, has military and arms cooperation progressed more slowly? What are the obstacles facing both countries in this matter? And can both sides overcome these obstacles to reach new agreements?
Finally, another approach is from a comparative political science perspective. The study would compare bilateral defense relations between the United States and countries in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. This comparison would shed light on the level of interest, breadth, and depth of these defense relationships. It would determine the current position of Vietnam-US defense relations relative to other countries in the region. This comparison would also reveal the United States' interest in the region as a whole, in each country, and in Vietnam specifically; conversely, it would show the level of interest of each Southeast Asian country in the United States and in the current US-China power struggle. Alternatively, it could compare Vietnam's defense relations with other partners besides the United States, such as Russia, China, Japan, and India. Or, based on arms sales data between Vietnam and its partners, it could compare defense relations between Vietnam and Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and South Korea. These are the countries that have recently engaged in arms trade with Vietnam. What does this frequent arms trade mean for the level of defense relations between Vietnam and these partners, and how does it compare to relations with the United States?
13. Publications related to the dissertation:
Vietnamese
Hoang Cam Thanh (2019), “The issue of resolving the consequences of war in Vietnam-US relations”, India and Asia Journal 6 (79), pp. 32-38.
Hoang Cam Thanh (2021), “Vietnam-US Defense Cooperation Platform”, India and Asia Journal 2 (99), pp. 42-49.
English
Hoang Cam Thanh (2020), “The Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy: Possibilities of Structural Change in the Asia-Pacific Region”, Proceedings of the international conference “Structural Prospects in Asia-Pacific to 2025 and Vietnam's Countermeasures”, The Gioi Publishing House, Hanoi, pp. 80-86.
Hoang Cam Thanh (2021), “Vietnam and The United States Security Cooperation in Capability Building Between 2000 and 2018,” 2021 International Graduate Research Symposium, National University of Hanoi Publishing House, Hanoi, pp. 524-533.
Hoang Cam Thanh (2021), “Vietnam and US Cooperation in the Non-Traditional Security in 2009-2018,” International Conference Proceedings: The Security and Development Issues in the New Situations, Publishing House. World, Hanoi, p. 359-380
INFORMATION ON DOCTORAL THESIS
1. Full name: Hoang Cam Thanh
2. Sex: Female
3. Date of birth: June 11, 1986
4. Place of birth: Vung Tau
5. Admission decision number 3618/2018/QD-XHNV dated December 4, 2018 by University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
6. Changes in academic process:
- Extension of study time number 2689/QD-XHNV-DT dated December 12, 2021.
- Extension of study time number 3674/QD-XHNV dated December 07, 2022
- Decision on the adjustment of the thesis title of Ph.D. candidate Hoang Cam Thanh number 1602/QD-XHNV dated June 23, 2022.
7. Official thesis title: Vietnam and the United States' Defense Cooperation between 2001 and 2018
8. Major: International Relations
9. Code: 9310601.01
10. Supervisors: Associate Professor Tran Nam Tien & Dr. Nguyen Thi My Hanh
11. Summary of the new findings of the thesis:
The research purpose is to apply the Realist theoretical framework to explain why Vietnam and the United States have taken policy options in defense cooperation between 2001 and 2018. By resorting to covert balancing, the United States has adapted its strategy in relation to Vietnam, who is pursuing hedging strategy in the context of Sino-US competition in the region. To probe thesis arguments, I will conduct an in-depth research into the defense tie of the two countries. The research will employ process tracing as the systematic examination of diagnostic evidence. Through the analytic tool, the research can draw descriptive and casual inferences from the temporal sequence of events in Vietnam and the United States' defense relations.
The research confirms the first argument that the defense relations of Vietnam and the United States depend on the American interest on the region, especially the China factor. That the way the United States has defined its policy in relation to Vietnam reflects the US perception towards the rise of China and its challenges. The research adequately describes the changes of US strategy towards the Asia-Pacific region and US assessment of the rise and challenge of China between 2001 and 2018. Before 2001, although the United States did not pay much attention to the strategic relations with Vietnam, they still envisioned the key principles for the bilateral interaction. This vision has shaped the defense relationship with Vietnam. Over the period from 2001 to 2008, the United State pursued the global War on Terrorism. The Asia-Pacific region was not the main focus of the US strategy. At this stage, the scope and peace of bilateral defense relations expanded modestly. The two sides strived to enhance mutual understanding. When the US pivot to Asia-Pacific amid China's rising influence was announced relationship, Vietnam and the US defense began to take on a new stage between 2009 to 2018. The two sides have expanded cooperation and dialogue in issues, which benefits both Vietnam and the United States. Through the cooperation on defense and military-related issues, Vietnam can build up its capabilities, whereas the United States can enhance its presence and engagement in the region. Second, Vietnam leverages cooperation of the United States in these areas pertinent to its national objectives and interests, which are defined in different periods. As working with the United States in such areas, Vietnam avoids having anxiety at the defense relations of the United States. By analyzing defense and security-related issues which Vietnam has received financial aid from the United States between 2001 and 2018, Vietnam's anxiety is not actually a hindrance to the two sides' defense cooperation. Due to lack of trust, Vietnam had not signed an IMET agreement until 2005. After the bilateral IMET agreement, many of IMET's Vietnamese officers have been sent to the United States to receive English language training for years. Also, Vietnam can boost its capabilities and develop infrastructure with the support of the American aid. Although Vietnam is not able to make any purchase of American-made weapons, Vietnam can obtain the American equipment and facilities under the US Excess Defense Articles. Despite differences inherent in the two sides' defense and security concerns, Vietnam and the United States can still adopt policy-options that benefit the Vietnamese military to derive training value from activities with the US military but also serve US interests in power balancing in the region. As stated in the Realist theoretical framework, the two countries, as unitary actors in international politics, have advanced their own interests in relation to their partner.
To sum up, the pace and scope of the bilateral interaction between Vietnam and the United States rely on how the United States perceives the role of China as well as how Vietnam revolves around its own principles of dealing with great powers. As a great power, the United States can take up a wide range of policy options with more resources. Vietnam, as a secondary state, is still able to boost the bilateral interaction in its favorable pace and scope. In turn, the United States has investigated coveringt forms of balancing across areas through which Vietnamese military can derive training value from activities with the US military and the United States can increase it access in the region.
12. Further research directions:
In terms of research methods, I will conduct interviews with people who have participated in planning and implementing foreign policies in defense and military areas. From the perspective of policy-makers, the research can gain the insights of the defense cooperation between the two countries. Despite progressiveness of bilateral relations, the military acquisition and procurement activities of the two sides have not developed. The further research can focus on setbacks in the strategic cooperation of two sides, especially in arm sales. And how can the two countries overcome these obstacles to deepen their strategic relations? Furthermore, the research will adopt the comparative political approach. The study will compare the bilateral defense relationship between the United States and countries in Southeast Asia. The comparison will analyze the position of the defense relationship between Vietnam and the United States compared to other countries in the region. Also, the research will compare the concerns of the US for the region, for each country, and for Vietnam. It will show the level of interest of each country in Southeast Asia with the United States and toward the current US-China power competition. Additionally, the research will compare Vietnam's defense relationship with other partners such as Russia, China, Japan, India, and the US. Based on arms sales data, I will compare defense relations between Vietnam and other partners such as the US, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and South Korea. These are countries that have traded weapons with Vietnam in recent times. What does the arms trade mean for the Vietnam's defense relationship with these partners? And how can Vietnam diversify its defense procurements, especially the US?
- Thesis-related publications
Hoang Cam Thanh (2019), “The issue of resolving the consequences of war in Vietnam-US relations”, India and Asia Journal 6 (79), pp. 32-38.
Hoang Cam Thanh (2021), “Vietnam-US Defense Cooperation Platform”, India and Asia Journal 2 (99), pp. 42-49.
Hoang Cam Thanh (2020), “The Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy: Possibilities of Structural Change in the Asia-Pacific Region”, Proceedings of the international conference “Structural Prospects in Asia-Pacific to 2025 and Vietnam's Countermeasures”, The Gioi Publishing House, Hanoi, pp. 80-86.
Hoang Cam Thanh (2021), “Vietnam and The United States Security Cooperation in Capability Building Between 2000 and 2018,” 2021 International Graduate Research Symposium, National University of Hanoi Publishing House, Hanoi, pp. 524-533.
Hoang Cam Thanh (2021), “Vietnam and US Cooperation in the Non-Traditional Security in 2009-2018,” International Conference Proceedings: The Security and Development Issues in the New Situations, Publishing House. World, Hanoi, p. 359-380
