What do most people think of when they hear the word "Vietnam"? For many outside the country, it still conjures images of war. In this engaging and enlightening lecture, Professor Duncan McCargo challenges that narrow perception by presenting ten essential things everyone should know about Vietnam in the 21st century. Based on a presentation originally given at Columbia University’s Asia for Educators series, this talk invites viewers to reframe how they see modern Vietnam—not as a battlefield of the past, but as a dynamic, resilient, and globally relevant nation.

Drawing from decades of research and on-the-ground experience, Professor McCargo highlights key themes ranging from politics and economics to culture, infrastructure, and global diasporas. Below are the core takeaways:

Ten Things to Know About Vietnam Today

1. Vietnam is a country, not a war
   Vietnam should not be reduced to its 20th-century conflict. It is a nation with a rich culture, diverse regions, and a deep history extending far beyond the American War.
2. Vietnamese people don’t hate America
   Despite the past, today’s Vietnam maintains strong diplomatic and economic ties with the United States. Anti-American sentiment is rare, particularly among the younger generation.
3. Vietnam has a very dynamic economy
   Fueled by manufacturing, trade, and innovation, Vietnam is one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies. Its middle class is expanding, and it is increasingly integrated into global markets.
4. Vietnam has excellent public services
   From health care to education, Vietnam consistently outperforms other countries at similar income levels. Its effective handling of public health crises has drawn international attention.
5. Vietnam is a one-party state
   Governed by the Communist Party, Vietnam does not have electoral competition. However, the state is pragmatic, reform-oriented, and responsive to public needs in many areas.
6. Vietnam has a complex relationship with China
   While the two countries share deep historical ties, their relationship today is marked by strategic competition, especially in the South China Sea. Cooperation and tension coexist.
7. North and South Vietnam are strikingly different
   Cultural, economic, and political differences between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City reflect enduring regional distinctions that continue to shape national identity.
8. Vietnam has terrible traffic
   Urban congestion, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, remains a daily challenge. Motorbikes dominate the streets, and transportation infrastructure struggles to keep pace.
9. There are more than three million Overseas Vietnamese
   Known as the Việt Kiều, overseas Vietnamese communities play a vital role in Vietnam’s economy through remittances and investments, while also influencing cultural exchange.
10. Vietnam is crucial to the future of Southeast Asia
    Strategically located and increasingly assertive, Vietnam is a key player in the region. Its role in ASEAN, trade partnerships, and climate challenges will shape Southeast Asia's future.

Why This Video Matters

This talk is essential viewing for students, educators, and anyone seeking a more nuanced understanding of Vietnam beyond war narratives or tourist snapshots. Professor McCargo provides a balanced, research-based overview that emphasizes Vietnam’s contradictions, complexities, and transformations—making it clear that to understand Southeast Asia’s present and future, one must understand Vietnam today.

Watch the full video here: Top Ten Things to Know About Vietnam Today – Video

Download the presentation slides here: Top Ten Things to Know About Vietnam Today – Slides (PPTX)