TYLA: Multilateral Defense Cooperation in Asia-Pacific from 1994 to Present

Author name: NGUYEN VAN KHU

Thesis title: Multilateral defense cooperation in Asia - Pacific from 1994 to present

Dissertation field: International Studies

Major: International Relations Code: 62 31 02 06

Name of the postgraduate training unit: University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

1. Purpose and research objects of the thesis

Research purpose: Clarifying theoretical and practical issues and the current status of multilateral defense cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region from 1994 to present, on that basis, making a number of recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of Vietnam's multilateral defense cooperation in the coming time.

Research subjects:The thesis researches theoretical and practical issues related to multilateral defense cooperation in Asia - Pacific.

2. Research methods used

- Using the method of analysis and synthesis to explain the theoretical and practical basis of multilateral defense cooperation in the region.

- Using historical, logical, systematic - structural, comparative, contrastive, document research and SWOT methods to analyze the formation and development process of multilateral defense cooperation mechanisms in the region, as well as assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges for multilateral defense cooperation in the region.

- Using forecasting methods to assess the development trends of multilateral defense cooperation mechanisms until 2030, thereby suggesting a number of solutions to improve the effectiveness of Vietnam's multilateral defense cooperation in the coming time.

3. Main results and conclusions

3.1. Main results

The thesis provides a theoretical framework to clarify multilateral defense cooperation in Asia - Pacific and systematizes the views of international relations theory related to multilateral defense cooperation.

The thesis systematizes the process of formation and development; the contributions and limitations of multilateral defense cooperation mechanisms in the Asia-Pacific region to the security situation in the region.

The thesis draws out the characteristics of multilateral defense cooperation in the region, analyzes the influencing factors, position and role of multilateral defense cooperation mechanism on the security - political situation in the Asia - Pacific region.

The thesis studies the process of Vietnam's participation in multilateral defense cooperation mechanisms in the region; analyzes and evaluates the contributions of multilateral defense cooperation to the implementation of Vietnam's open-door and integration policies, as well as its shortcomings and limitations, thereby suggesting a number of solutions to improve the effectiveness of multilateral defense cooperation in the coming time.

The thesis creates additional theoretical basis for proposing solutions to improve the quality and effectiveness of participation in multilateral defense cooperation mechanisms in the context of Vietnam promoting the international integration process, including international integration in defense.

3.2. Conclusion

Multilateral defense cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region is mainly formed due to the imbalance in the balance of power, which threatens security and stability in the region, as well as the emergence of non-traditional security challenges. The format of multilateral defense cooperation has become a major trend, playing an important role in shaping the regional security order.

There are many factors that influence and influence the agenda and effectiveness of multilateral defense cooperation mechanisms in this region, in which major countries always play an important role, leading and even dominating the agenda and cooperation activities of multilateral defense mechanisms.

Small and medium-sized countries and regional organizations (ASEAN), although having a certain role in multilateral defense cooperation mechanisms, face difficult choices in the competition between major powers, and are often greatly influenced by the impact of major countries in and outside the region when behaving in multilateral defense cooperation mechanisms.

Although its effectiveness is still limited, the multilateral defense cooperation mechanism in the region has so far made certain contributions to shaping the regional security structure, initially reconciling and balancing interests among major countries, contributing to maintaining relative peace and stability in the region.

Besides, multilateral defense cooperation mechanisms in the region, both formal and informal, are still relatively loose, the binding nature of principles and rules of the game is not high, and enforcement mechanisms are not effective.

Multilateral defense cooperation is a new field for Vietnam, but it has initially affirmed its position, role and contribution to the implementation of the common goal of the open foreign policy and integration with the world. In the coming time, Vietnam's multilateral cooperation needs to be upgraded, aiming to develop cooperation formats that are suitable to Vietnam's interests, capabilities and development level, as well as harmonizing the interests of Vietnam with those of countries in the region; accordingly, it is necessary to actively and proactively shape the format of multilateral defense cooperation in the direction of interweaving, multi-level, balancing power, harmonizing the interests of countries to promote the role of small countries, middle-sized countries, including Vietnam.

       SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL THESIS

The author's name:NGUYEN VAN KHU

Thesis title:Multilateral Defense Cooperation in the Asia - Pacific region since 1994

Scientific branch of the thesis: International Study

Major: International Relations Code: 62 31 02 06

1. The name of postgraduate training institution: Thesis purpose and objectives

- Thesis purpose: Based on theoretical framework and practices of multilateral defense cooperation in Asia - Pacific region from 1994 to present, the thesis outlines recommendations for promoting the better outcomes of Vietnam's multilateral defense cooperation in future.

-Study subject: Research on theory and practices related to multilateral defense cooperation in Asia-Pacific Region.

- Thesis objectives:

(1) Analyze the theoretical framework and practices of multilateral defense cooperation in Asia-Pacific;

(2) Assess the achievements and concerns of multilateral defense cooperation in the region;

(3) Anticipate the possible trend of multilateral defense cooperation in the region up to 2030;

(4) Review the contributions and limitations of Vietnam's participation in the regional multilateral defense cooperation mechanisms;

(5) Suggest measures to push up the outcomes of Vietnam's multilateral defense cooperation in future.

2. Research methods

The thesis applies the following methods:

(1) Dialectical thinking and general analysis to study the theoretical framework and practices of the regional multilateral defense cooperation.

(2) Historical and logical analysis, systematic and structural analysis, comparative analysis, material research and SWOT to study the establishment and development of the regional multilateral defense cooperation mechanisms and to assess the strengths and weaknesses; opportunities and challenges of the arrangements.

(3) Forecasting method to anticipate possible trends of the regional multilateral defense cooperation mechanisms; to suggest some recommendations for promoting the better outcomes of Vietnam's multilateral defense cooperation in the future.

3. Major results and conclusions

3.1. The major results

- Provide the theoretical framework and the international relations theory perspectives on multilateral defense cooperation.

- Study the characteristics of the regional multilateral defense cooperation; analyze related sectors, positions and roles of multilateral defense cooperation to the regional politics and security situation in Asia-Pacific.

- Assess the establishment and development; contributions and limitations of multilateral defense cooperation to the regional security picture.

- Research the Vietnam's participation in the regional multilateral defense cooperation mechanisms; analyze the contributions to Vietnam's open policy and regional integration, as well as its limitations and limitations in order to suggest some measures to push up the better outcomes of the cooperation in the future.

- Provide additional theory and science foundation for policy makers for better outcomes of Vietnam's multilateral defense cooperation in future.

3.2.Conclusions

- Multilateral defense cooperation in Asia - Pacific region appears due to the regional imbalance of power that can threaten the regional security and stability, aligned with the rapid rise of nontraditional security challenges. The regional multilateral cooperation defense mechanisms have become the main trend and made great contribution to arranging the regional security order.

- There are several sectors that could influence agendas and outcomes of the regional multilateral defense cooperation organizations, of which, major powers play vital roles and driving forces, either to agenda and cooperations.

- Small and medium countries (including ASEAN members) may have possible contributions to the regional multilateral defense cooperation mechanisms; Although, they are challenged by hard options in the competitive situation among major powers, even directed by one power's influence in the such mechanisms.

- Despite of limited outcomes, the regional multilateral defense cooperation mechanisms have made several achievements in accommodating and balancing the interests of major powers for sustainable peace and security in the region.

- The regional multilateral cooperation defense mechanisms are viewed as loosed platforms in terms of commitments, binding principles and laws.

- Multilateral defense cooperation is a new form of Vietnam's integration sectors. That has made several contributions to fulfill the country foreign policy.

- Direction for Vietnam's participation needs to push up a multi-layer, matrix, balance of power multilateral defense cooperation frameworks that can upgrade medium and small countries, including Vietnam.