Vietnamese strategic culture and the coming struggle for the South China Sea
By:  Andrew A. Butterfield
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1996
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 93
Description: Despite inferior strength, Vietnam clings to extensive claims in the South China Sea in conflict with China's claims.      Through use of the concept of 'strategic culture,' this thesis investigates the factors, including perceived historical      lessons, that drive Vietnam to maintain this strategic posture. The most relevant lessons are that (1) China      perpetually desires and frequently attempts to dominate Vietnam, and that resistance historically has served      Vietnam better than appeasement; and (2) Vietnam has the inherent ability to attract foreign benefactors that will      help her balance against Chinese power and achieve her own goals. The author explores how these lessons have      shaped a modern-day Vietnamese strategic culture and whether it is suited to the strategic realities that Vietnam      currently faces. A conclusion is that Vietnam's current strategic culture is likely to continue either until it is shown to      be inadequate in conflict with China over control of the South China Sea, or until Vietnam succeeds in attracting a      new benefactor or protector.
Notes: Thesis advisor(s): Mary P. Callahan.

"December 1996."

Thesis (M.A. in National Security Affairs) Naval Postgraduate School, December 1996.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 85-90).

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.

Also available online.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader.

US Navy (USN) author.

dk/dk cc:9116 7/21/97