"Political science is essential for every individual and for society as a whole."

In the 2008 university entrance exam, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, will conduct its first enrollment for the Political Science program. Public opinion considers this a new field of study with great potential, and in the future, the societal demand for trained personnel in this area will be very high. Regarding this matter, Professor Hoang Chi Bao, Standing Member of the Scientific Council of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and one of the leading experts in Political Science, had a discussion with us.

- PV:As a scientist with many years of research in Political Science, how does the Professor assess the role of Political Science in social life?

- Prof. Dr. Hoang Chi BaoThe four areas of life—politics, economics, culture, and society—are, as Ho Chi Minh said, equally important; none should be underestimated. Politics plays a particularly crucial role in social life. Because politics is about power, state administration, and social management. Lenin once said: “People need economics to avoid starvation, they need politics to avoid killing themselves. Without understanding politics, one cannot act consciously in exercising one's own power...”

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2008/6/16/gs.hcbao-m.jpg" border="0" alt="Prof. Dr. Hoang Chi Bao" title="Prof. Dr. Hoang Chi Bao" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="193" align="right" ]

In short, Political Science is the science that studies politics. The transition from politics to Political Science is a process. Political Science studies politics from many perspectives: studying politics from the perspective of political individuals requires studying political consciousness, political beliefs, and the political behavior of individuals. Politics also studies relationships; the processes and trends of political movement; institutional models; strategies; policies; and political technology... It can be said that Political Science is the philosophy of politics, focusing on the study of political theory, providing fundamental and systematic understanding of the principles and laws of politics, which can then be applied to political activity under specific conditions.

Political science is essential for both society and each individual. Firstly, living in a political society (i.e., societies with classes and a state), one cannot afford to be ignorant of this field, in order to become politically conscious, proactive, and creative individuals. Secondly, politics is necessary to form institutions and build mechanisms for managing society, bringing benefits to classes and nations. Thirdly, politics is also essential for resolving issues in international relations.

- PV:But many still argue: I'm just doing my job professionally, it has nothing to do with politics?

- Prof. Dr. Hoang Chi BaoThat's incorrect, because in a political society, one can never live and work in isolation from politics. In fact, politics draws everyone into its fold. Intellectuals, in particular, should not remain in an ivory tower of knowledge, as is often subjectively and illusoryly believed, but should actively participate in political life. Our ancestors used to say, "When the nation is in danger, the scholars have a responsibility." Nguyen Trai taught: "Those who experience many vicissitudes of life gain profound wisdom; those who plan for the distant future achieve extraordinary success." Marx, Engels, Lenin, and Ho Chi Minh were all brilliant intellectuals, but they were also outstanding politicians. Therefore, we need to understand Lenin's statement, "The illiterate will stand outside of politics," correctly. Lenin didn't mean that illiterate people don't need politics; rather, it should be understood that without education and knowledge, one can only act politically blindly.

- PV:There has long been a misconception that studying politics is about learning something very dry and dogmatic. What are your thoughts on this?

- Prof. Dr. Hoang Chi BaoThe fault lies with the practitioners of the religion, not with the religion itself. Politics is not inherently dry; it is always closely linked to practice, and practice is always rich and vibrant. To convey political knowledge in an engaging and lively way, those who research, teach, and propagate politics must undergo rigorous training in knowledge, ideology, methods, and character; they must possess both profound wisdom and a pure heart. If you lack belief in what you say, you cannot persuade your listeners or instill belief in others. Due to many historical reasons, the team of researchers and teachers of political science still has limitations. Therefore, the societal need for training and retraining human resources equipped with a systematic knowledge of political science is extremely urgent today.

- PV:So, what kind of jobs can students with a degree in Political Science do after graduation?

- Prof. Dr. Hoang Chi BaoVietnam has a history of thousands of years of nation-building and national defense. The Vietnamese people are very politically sensitive. Our ancestors left behind many philosophies for governing the country and ensuring the well-being of the people. However, political science as a discipline has only recently received significant attention since the Doi Moi (Renovation) period. The past 20 years of renovation have led to the formation and development of Political Science in Vietnam. It is a promising field, a plot where researchers can dedicate their entire lives and intellect to intensive cultivation and harvesting. It is necessary to train young Political Science experts with modern, scientific thinking. They can become teachers of Political Science in Party schools, universities, colleges, vocational schools, and even high schools. They can also conduct research in theoretical and political institutions. They can work in Party affairs, government administration, and mass organizations. Additionally, they can work in media, diplomatic agencies, and businesses as political analysts and commentators. Therefore, training students in Political Science at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels as experts is contributing to the development of high-quality scientific human resources, enriching the intellectual elite of our society, a society that is gradually becoming a modern society.

- PV:Thank you, Professor, for the conversation. I wish you continued good health and even greater contributions to the field you have dedicated your life to!

• Nguyet Hang (perform)
Source:Vietnam National University, Hanoi Newsletter