INFORMATION ABOUT THE MASTER'S THESIS
1. Student's full name: Nguyen Minh Thu 2. Gender: Female
3. Date of birth: February 23, 1998
4. Place of birth: Hanoi
5. Decision No. 4058/2022/QD-XHNV dated December 28, 2022, of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, recognizing the student.
6. Changes in the training process:
- Extending the study period according to Decision No. 6934/QD-VNU-Hanoi, dated December 16, 2024, of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
- Extending the study period according to Decision No. 4670/QD-VNU, dated June 24, 2025, of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
- Extending the study period according to Decision No. 9099/QD – VNU, dated December 25, 2025, of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
7. Thesis title: QUAD AND AUKUS: CURRENT SITUATION AND DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
8. Major:International Relations; Code: 8310601.01
9. Scientific Supervisors: Supervisor 1: Dr. Phan Thi Thu Dung
Supervisor 2: Dr. Vu Van Anh
10. Summary of the thesis results:
This thesis aims to study the formation, current status, and development potential of the two security cooperation mechanisms, QUAD and AUKUS, in the context of strategic competition among major powers in the Indo-Pacific region. It clarifies the nature of cooperation within these two mechanisms, assesses their impact on the regional security structure, and proposes several policy implications for Vietnam.
To achieve the research objectives, this thesis focuses on addressing the following three key tasks:
The firstThis clarifies the theoretical basis of international security cooperation and develops an analytical framework to serve as a basis for evaluating and comparing QUAD with AUKUS.
MondayThis study analyzes the formation and operational status of QUAD and AUKUS, thereby clarifying the nature of cooperation between the two mechanisms. The research results show that QUAD is a flexible, small-scale multilateral mechanism with a broad scope of cooperation and strategic coordination, while AUKUS is a more in-depth defense security and technology cooperation mechanism, focusing on enhancing deterrence capabilities and developing advanced defense technologies. Despite differing levels of convergence of interests and security commitments, neither QUAD nor AUKUS has reached the level of a military alliance in the traditional sense.
TuesdayThis study assesses the potential for development and impact of QUAD and AUKUS on the regional security structure. The research findings indicate that in the near future, the likelihood of QUAD and AUKUS developing into military alliances is low due to limitations in institutionalization, security commitments, and differences in strategic interests among members. Simultaneously, QUAD and AUKUS are two complementary structures within a multi-layered security system, reflecting the trend towards the formation of a "hybrid" security structure in the Indo-Pacific region. The existence of these two mechanisms, on the one hand, contributes to rebalancing power, enhancing deterrence capabilities, and supporting the maintenance of a rules-based regional order; on the other hand, it increases great power competition, promotes security dilemmas, fragments the regional security structure, and puts pressure on ASEAN's central role.
11. Practical applications
Scientifically, this thesis contributes to supplementing the theoretical basis of international security cooperation mechanisms, while providing an analytical framework for evaluating and comparing new security cooperation mechanisms in the region. Practically, clearly identifying the nature, development potential, and impact of QUAD and AUKUS helps Vietnam build appropriate foreign policy, seize cooperation opportunities, maintain strategic balance, and ensure independence and self-reliance in the context of a volatile regional security environment.
12. Future research directions: (if any)
13. Published works related to the thesis: None
INFORMATION ON MASTER'S THESIS
1. Full name: NGUYEN MINH THU 2. Sex: Female
3. Date of birth: 23rdFebruary, 1998 4. Place of birth: Hanoi
5. Admission decision number: 4058/2022/QD-XHNV Dated December 28, 2022
6. Changes in academic process:
- Extension of study period under Decision No. 6934/QD–DHQGHN dated December 16, 2024, issued by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
- Extension of study period under Decision No. 4670/QD–DHQGHN dated June 24, 2025, issued by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
- Extension of study period under Decision No. 9099/QD–DHQGHN dated December 25, 2025, issued by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
7. Official thesis title: The QUAD and AUKUS: Present Dynamics and Prospects for Development
8. Major: International Relations 9. Code:8310601.01
10. Supervisors: Dr. Phan Thi Thu Dung
Dr. Vu Van Anh
11. Summary of the findings of the thesis:
This thesis examines the formation, current development, and future prospects of the QUAD and AUKUS security cooperation mechanisms in the context of intensification strategic competition among major powers in the Indo-Pacific region. It aims to clarify the nature of these two mechanisms, assess their impact on the regional security environment, and propose several policy implications for Vietnam.
To achieve these objectives, the thesis focuses on three main tasks.
previous, it reviews the theoretical foundations of international security cooperation and develops an analytical framework based on four criteria: convergence of interests, power structure, scope of cooperation, and the level of institutionalization and security commitments. This framework serves as the basis for evaluating and comparing QUAD and AUKUS.
Second, the thesis examines the formation and development of QUAD and AUKUS in order to identify their core characteristics. The results indicate that QUAD is a flexible minilateral mechanism with a broad agenda covering both traditional and non-traditional security issues, while AUKUS is a more focused security and defense partnership centered on deterrence capabilities and advanced defense technologies. Although the two mechanisms differ in terms of strategic interests and security commitments, neither has evolved into a traditional military alliance.
Third, the thesis evaluates the future prospects and regional impact of QUAD and AUKUS. The findings suggest that the possibility of either mechanism evolving into a formal military alliance in the near future remains limited due to differences in strategic interests, the absence of collective defense obligations, and relatively low levels of institutionalization. Rather than competing with one another, QUAD and AUKUS function as complementary components of a broader, multi-layered security architecture in the Indo-Pacific.
The thesis also finds that these mechanisms have both positive and negative impacts on the region. On the one hand, they contribute to maintaining the balance of power, strengthening deterrence, and supporting a rules-based regional order. On the other hand, they may intensify major-power competition, deepen security concerns among regional states, contribute to the fragmentation of the regional security architecture, and pose additional challenges to ASEAN's central role in regional affairs.
12. Practical applicability, if any:
Scientific contribution: The thesis contributes to the theoretical foundation of international security cooperation mechanisms, while providing an analytical framework for evaluating and comparing emerging security cooperation mechanisms in the context of strategic competition among major powers.
Practical applicability: By clarifying the nature, development prospects, and impact of QUAD and AUKUS, the thesis provides a basis for Vietnam to formulate appropriate foreign policies, capitalize on opportunities for cooperation, maintain strategic balance, and preserve its independence and autonomy amid the evolving regional security environment.
13. Further research directions, if any:
14. Thesis-related publications: None
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