The Political Consequences of Normalization of U.S.‑Vietnam Relations

The normalization of U.S.-Vietnam relations poses very diffi cult challenges for both Hanoi and Washington. The article argues that the leaders in both capitals will be surprised by the sensitivities involved in the negotiations ahead to establish full trade and commercial relations and that the U.S. strategy of engagement and enlargement may prove counter-productive. It also argues that Vietnam's embrace of free market principles is hastening the advent of civil society. The risk for American policy is that by pressing hard on the issues required for full trade relations ? as opposed to granting Vietnam the same waivers that facilitate U.S. trade with China ? Washington will convince the Vietnamese lead ership that America is prepared to renew a struggle to liberate Vietnam.