Shaping the Security and Foreign Policy of Vietnam: The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam

Abstract

This chapter examines the role played by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) in advocating policies to respond to an emerging non-traditional security threat, namely water security. In the first part, the structure and the mission of DAV, which advises Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in defining its foreign policy, are described. The second part of the analyses focuses on how DAV contributed to the debate concerning regional water security. DAV was able to elevate both national and regional awareness on this challenge, eventually influencing the government’s decision-making process. Since the emergence of the water problem, DAV has contributed in fostering dialogue and cooperation between regional actors. This proactive approach resulted in the initiative on “Water Resource Security in the Asia-Pacific” within the framework of the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.