Vietnam, one of the central and strategic economic partners in Southeast Asia, is making more political waves this year. Based on the latest report, newly elected president plans to re-shape its domestic and the international policies, particularly related to the west economic deficit. Meanwhile, Vietnam's hesitant attitudes towards China, Russia, and Ukraine could impact its international status. How should we understand the next step for Vietnam? Will this nation stand strong under the new leader?

Dr. Hai Hong Nguyen holds a PhD in political science (UQ 2015). His research focuses on democratization, democratic theory, local governance and democracy, state-society relations, the impact of social media on political transformation, international relations in the Indo-Pacific region, Southeast Asia, and particularly Vietnamese politics. He has published largely on Vietnamese politics.