National Sustainable Development Strategies in Vietnam and the United States: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract This article offers a comparative analysis of the national sustainable development strategies (NSDS) of Vietnam and the United States, applying a four-dimensional framework covering political–institutional, economic, social–human, and environmental–technological aspects. While Vietnam pursues a centrally coordinated “just transition” model integrating poverty alleviation and international climate finance, the United States emphasizes a green industrial policy approach driven by domestic subsidies and technological innovation. Using a qualitative comparative case study design, the paper synthesizes policy documents, international reports, and academic literature to highlight key differences and complementarities between the two models. The findings reveal both countries’ shared commitment to decarbonization, renewable energy, and human capital development, yet underscore challenges posed by institutional asymmetry and divergent financing structures. The study proposes actionable recommendations for bilateral cooperation under the upgraded Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including blended finance, technology transfer, and decentralized governance partnerships. This research contributes to the comparative policy literature on sustainable development and offers policy-relevant insights into emerging North–South collaboration frameworks.