SHEDDING TO GROW: THE COMING DOI MOI 2.0 IN VIETNAM’S FOREIGN POLICY

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to revisit the characteristics of Vietnam’s foreign policy since its renovation in 1986, also known as Doi Moi, and explore its future trajectory in the coming decades. Methodology: This study employs a well-established analytical framework relying on the two-level game theory in foreign policy analysis which denotes that a state’s foreign policy is shaped by both external and domestic factors. Primary data are collected from a wide range of trusted resources and databases and communications of the authors with Vietnamese veteran diplomats and foreign policymakers. Main finding: This article finds that three decades since the launching of Doi Moi in 1986, fundamental principles of Vietnam’s foreign policy remains intact. Because both domestic and external foundations for the initial stage of renovation have fundamentally been replaced by new contexts, Hanoi will likely move towards the so-called Doi Moi 2.0 characterized by greater proactiveness and determination. Applications of this study: This study has implication for policymakers, scholars and experts in the disciplines and subfields of politics, international relations, foreign policy analysis given that Vietnam has been well known for its significant achievements in its diplomatic relations after the Cold War and it is playing a growing role in regional and international affairs. The originality of this study: This study makes an original contribution to the existing literature of Vietnam’s foreign policy because it digs into an issue where only a few numbers of scholars have touched upon and provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing Hanoi’s mindset, shaping Vietnam’s national interests and formulating Vietnam’s foreign policy in the coming decades.