TYLA: International Relations of the Vietnamese Muslim Community

Author's name: Tran Thi Minh Thu

Dissertation Title: International Relations of the Vietnamese Muslim Community

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 scope of the thesis

- Research subject: Studying the international relations of the Vietnamese Muslim community.

- Research objective: To clarify the international relations of the Vietnamese Muslim community. Based on this, to recommend solutions regarding religious foreign policy and to improve the effectiveness of state management on issues related to the international relations of the Vietnamese Muslim community.

2. Research methods used

The primary methodology used in this dissertation is international relations research methodology. The dissertation also employs other scientific research methods such as: historical periodization, field research; comparison and contrast; analysis and synthesis; document evaluation, systematization, etc., to explain the theoretical and practical basis of the international relations of the Vietnamese Muslim community, as well as its impact on various aspects of social life. This aims to suggest solutions for religious foreign policy and to improve the effectiveness of state management.

3. Main results and conclusions

3.1. Main results

- The dissertation has provided a theoretical and practical basis for the international relations of the Vietnamese Muslim community by clarifying the characteristics and role of Islam in various aspects of social life, especially in international relations; and by analyzing the foreign policy of Vietnam and Muslim countries related to Islam.

- The thesis clarifies the current state of international relations of the Vietnamese Muslim community in two regions with a high concentration of Muslim believers: Southeast Asia and the Middle East - North Africa.

- Based on the research findings, the thesis draws conclusions about the impact of international relations and the trend of international integration on the Vietnamese Muslim community. Through this, it offers recommendations on solutions related to the international relations of the Vietnamese Muslim community.

3.2. Conclusion

Islam is a religion that plays an important role in contemporary international relations. In Vietnam, the Muslim community is relatively small compared to the population and other religions; however, with its unique characteristics, this community has actively integrated with the Muslim communities in Southeast Asia and the Middle East-North Africa region.

The policy of the Vietnamese Party and State towards religion in general, and Islam in particular, is to both respect and guarantee the religious freedom of Muslim clergy, officials, and followers, while promoting the positive aspects of the Muslim community; creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese Muslim community to integrate internationally in accordance with the Party's foreign policy and the State's laws. Through its international relations, the Vietnamese Muslim community serves as a bridge, contributing to strengthening cooperation between the Party and State with Muslim countries in Southeast Asia and the Middle East-North Africa.

The international relations of the Vietnamese Muslim community in the context of current religious globalization raise many issues that require the State to study and respond according to the principle of ensuring a harmonious balance of national interests, community interests, and the interests of each citizen, including Muslim believers.

SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL THESIS

The author's name: Tran Thi Minh Thu

Thesis Title: International relations of Vietnam Islamic community

Scientific branch of the thesis: International research

Major: International relations Code: 62 31 02 06

Postgraduate training institution: University of Social Sciences and Humanity – Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

1.Research goals and subjects

- Research subjects: The thesis focuses on researching the international relations of Vietnam Islamic community.

- Research goals: The thesis clarifies the international relations of Vietnam Islamic community. Based on that, the thesis suggests some solutions to the policies on religious foreign affairs and improvement in State management over the issues related to international relations of Vietnam Islamic community.

2.Research methodology

The main methods used in the thesis are the methods of studying international relations. The thesis also uses other methods like Historical periodization, field research; comparative and contrastive methods; analysis, synthesis; document review, systematization, etc….. so as to explain the theoretical and practical basis of international relations of Vietnam Islamic community as well as their impact on all aspects of social life, thereby suggesting solutions to the policies on religious foreign affairs as well as improving the efficiency of the State management over the issues related to international relations of Vietnam Islamic community.

3. Major results and conclusions

3.1. Major results

- The thesis has provided the theoretical and practical basis of international relations of Vietnam Islamic community by clarifying the characteristics and role of Islam in all aspects of social life, especially in international relations; through the analysis of the Islam-related policies of Vietnam and Islamic countries.

- The thesis clarifies the status of international relations of Vietnam Islamic community in the two heavily Islamic areas including Southeast Asia and the Middle East - North Africa.

- From the research results, the thesis finalizes the assessments on the impact of international relations and the tendency of international integration of Vietnam Islamic community.

3.2.Surgery

Currently, Islam is a religion that plays an important role in international relations. In Vietnam, the Islamic community accounts for a minor part of the population compared to other religions. However, with its unique characteristics, this community has actively integrated with the Islamic community of Southeast Asia and the Middle East - North Africa region.

The policies of the Party and the State of Vietnam on religion in general and Islam in particular are to respect and ensure the right to religious freedom of Islamic dignitaries, clergy persons, and followers on the one hand and promote positive aspects of the Islamic community, making it easier for Vietnam Islamic community to integrate internationally in accordance with the policies on foreign affairs of the Party and the State. Through its international relations, Vietnam Islamic community acts as a bridge to assist the Party and the State in strengthening cooperation with Islamic countries in the areas of Southeast Asia and the Middle East - North Africa.

International relations of Vietnam Islamic community in the current context of globalization of religion raise many that require the State to research and conduct on the principle of ensuring the harmonization of the interests of the nation, the community and the citizens including Islamic followers.