The Soviet Union and Southeast Asia: The Vietnam Connection

Abstract

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Soviet Union are joined in a symbiotic relationship. Of their own volition, Hanoi’s leaders have joined the socialist bloc led by the USSR. Moscow and its CMEA associates have provided the military and economic assistance essential for the Vietnamese military occupation of Cambodia and the maintenance of a viable national economy. In effect, Hanoi has sacrificed its hard won independence from great powers — France and the United States — attained at an incalculable cost of blood and treasure over 35 years and has mortgaged its future to a new mentor. Moscow provides both the material requirements for Vietnam’s hegemony over Indochina and protects Hanoi’s dominance by deterring Chinese aggression.