Vietnam-United States relations: growing strategic convergence

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Abstract

This article presents an overview of United States-Vietnam relations from 2013 to the present with a focus on defence engagement. This article is divided into four parts. Part one provides a brief historical overview of relations from the end of American military invovment in Vietnam in 1973 to 2013. Part two reviews the evolution of bilateral defence relations under the Obama Administration. Part three discusses bilateral relations under the Trump Administration that reflect continuity with past policy rather than abrupt change. The conclusion argues that although there is a growing convergence on strategic issues between Vietnam and the U.S. their strategic interests are not congruent.

About the authors

Carlyle A. Thayer

The University of New South Wales; Thayer Consultancy

Emeritus Professor, The University of New South Wales, Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy and Director of Thayer Consultancy, U.S. citizen U.S

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