The strategic foundations of security and development
International relations (IR) of a country define its official interactions, foreign policy, and relations with other nations, international organizations, and non-state actors in the areas of security, trade, and multilateral relations. IR involve the study and management of all external relations, encompassing not only cooperation with partners but also the management, response, and defense of national interests through diplomacy, foreign policy, and negotiation, while enhancing international integration to promote economic, political, and cultural cooperation. They are an essential strategic tool to maintain a peaceful environment, attract investments and technologies, and shape the international rules of the game.
In Vietnam, as with military strength, the strategy of international relations (IR) is a key lever for the success of national construction and defense. The support of friendly countries during the resistance war against the United States (1954-1975) played a strategic role, creating immense collective strength. In his historic will, President Ho Chi Minh envisioned that after the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country, he would visit fraternal and international friends who had supported the resistance against the United States to thank them. This was not only a deep expression of gratitude for international solidarity but also evidence that the national leader’s strategic vision regarding the importance of IR played a crucial role in Vietnam’s final victory.
After more than 40 years of reforms and international integration, Vietnam has achieved significant progress of major historical importance. It has gradually become more involved in economic and political international life by developing strategic partnerships and global strategic partnerships with many countries. In doing so, it has expanded its development space, valued its resources, and strengthened its position and prestige on the international stage. In this reform process, international relations play an essential role in protecting Vietnam’s sovereignty, security, and economic development. They truly represent a strategic vision aimed at preserving the population, power, and prosperity of the country.
Elevating international relations in the new context
However, this new context also imposes increasingly high requirements on the development of IR to ensure their independence and autonomy, particularly strategically, in areas such as the economy, sciences and technologies, digital transformation, data security, energy security, and the protection of national cultural identity.
Although international relations cover many different areas, IR professionals generally concentrate on three fundamental areas to maximize external resources, ensure national security, and facilitate development:
1. Regarding relations and foreign policy, Vietnam prioritizes the development of bilateral and multilateral policies to protect its territory from afar and adapt to changing circumstances. It also aims to develop strong and enduring political partnerships with regional and international actors to seize opportunities and address common security and economic challenges, balancing competition and adversaries. So far, Vietnam has expanded the number of countries with which it maintains global strategic partnerships to 14, including the permanent members of the UN Security Council.
On digital matters, policies must address communication infrastructure development, digital communication platforms, social networks, data security, and compiling databases of laws and standards from around the world.
In addition, policies should promote and disseminate national cultural identity through economic openness, encouraging Vietnamese people to work, study, and settle abroad, strengthening the country’s intangible resources.
2. International integration is a highly developed form of international cooperation that plays an essential role in IR, integrating national aspects into international standards and enhancing global connectivity and interdependence in economic, political, and cultural spheres.
However, the rise of protectionist policies has reshaped global supply chains, requiring a balance between economic efficiency and security, transitioning from multilateral cooperation to protectionism.
To be continued in the next message…
