School of War Ep 194: Mark Moyar on the Vietnam War
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May 2, 2025 Mark Moyar, a military historian and author, shares insights on the Vietnam War's pivotal moments. He discusses the orthodox versus revisionist views on U.S. involvement and the influence of the anti-war movement. The complexities of Ho Chi Minh’s dual identity as a nationalist and communist are explored, alongside the consequences of the 1963 coup that deepened American engagement. Moyar also examines Nixon's strategies, including Vietnamization, and reflects on the war's fallout, emphasizing the lasting impact on American memory.
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Orthodox vs Revisionist Views
- The orthodox view claims the Vietnam War was unnecessary and unwinnable; the revisionist view argues it was strategically vital and winnable.
- American intervention prevented a domino effect of communism in Asia, a threat taken seriously by policymakers.
Domino Theory in Context
- The domino theory's critics overlook key geopolitical changes post-1975 shaped by U.S. intervention.
- U.S. involvement helped countries like Indonesia shift from communist to anti-communist, preserving regional stability.
Ho Chi Minh's Communist Commitment
- Ho Chi Minh was deeply committed to global communism, not just Vietnamese nationalism.
- He admired Lenin, organized international communist movements, and opposed nationalist deviations from communism.
