Bungacast /504/ Vietnam's Victory: American War to Globalisation ft. Sean Fear
Aug 5, 2025
In this discussion, historian Sean Fear, a lecturer at the University of Leeds and expert in Vietnamese history, shares insights on Vietnam’s journey post-American War. He examines how Vietnamese identity intertwines with resistance and the complexities of its nationalism today. Fear addresses contemporary views on the war and the nation’s economic transformation through market reforms. Additionally, he explores the balancing act of Vietnam amid global pressures, particularly concerning China and the U.S. trade landscape.
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Mythic Resistance Figures
- Vietnamese national resistance is often presented through mythic figures like Lady Tu who symbolize defiance against foreign occupiers.
- These stories mix historical facts with legend, shaping national identity more than strict history.
Vietnam's Changing Borders
- Vietnam's territorial boundaries have only stabilized since 1802 after internal conflicts and southern expansion.
- The ethnic composition in parts like Saigon reflects earlier non-Vietnamese settlements.
Resistance Shapes Vietnam-China Relations
- Vietnamese identity is strongly rooted in a shared belief in a long history of resistance.
- This belief impacts Vietnam's contemporary diplomatic and cultural relationship with China.