Addressing Post-War Conflict and Trauma in Vietnam: The Role of Bottom-Up Peacebuilding and Overseas Diaspora

Institutional Affiliation

University of Manitoba

Start Date

16-1-2025 3:30 PM

End Date

16-1-2025 5:00 PM

Proposal Type

Presentation

Proposal Format

On-campus

Proposal Description

This paper addresses the persistent internal conflict in post-war Vietnam, contextualizing it within a broader global framework of unresolved conflicts stemming from civil wars and post-colonial legacies. Like many countries still facing post-war conflict, reconciliation remains elusive. Following the Vietnam War's conclusion, two distinct factions emerged: the victorious Communist party and its supporters and the Republic of Vietnam and its associates. However, instead of pursuing reconciliation, the winning side implemented discriminatory and repressive policies, targeting former regime affiliates and dissenting voices. Over the past few years, it has intensified its crackdown on young political activists, many of whom have become political prisoners and refugees. In the current political climate, promoting reconciliation domestically is increasingly challenging. However, the influx of younger political refugees migrating to countries with established Vietnam War refugee communities presents an opportunity for reconciliation.

Research Questions/Objectives:

The study aims to address the following questions: How can sustainable peace be achieved in Vietnam amidst unresolved internal conflicts? What role can grassroots initiatives and the overseas diaspora play in fostering reconciliation and challenging entrenched narratives of conflict?

Research Methodology and Method:

A qualitative research approach is employed, utilizing a literature review and analysis of primary sources to examine the current political climate in Vietnam and the experiences of political refugees overseas. Interviews with members of the overseas diaspora and an analysis of community dynamics are conducted to understand the potential for grassroots peacebuilding efforts.

Findings:

As more young Vietnamese study abroad and interact with the Vietnamese diaspora, avenues for dialogue and understanding are created. This paper underscores the urgent need for genuine reconciliation efforts in Vietnam and explores the potential for diaspora-led initiatives to contribute to this process.

Scholarly Significance:

Examining the complexities of post-war societies and the challenges of achieving sustainable peace offers insights into reconciliation pathways for countries facing post-war conflict.

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Jan 16th, 3:30 PM Jan 16th, 5:00 PM

Addressing Post-War Conflict and Trauma in Vietnam: The Role of Bottom-Up Peacebuilding and Overseas Diaspora

This paper addresses the persistent internal conflict in post-war Vietnam, contextualizing it within a broader global framework of unresolved conflicts stemming from civil wars and post-colonial legacies. Like many countries still facing post-war conflict, reconciliation remains elusive. Following the Vietnam War's conclusion, two distinct factions emerged: the victorious Communist party and its supporters and the Republic of Vietnam and its associates. However, instead of pursuing reconciliation, the winning side implemented discriminatory and repressive policies, targeting former regime affiliates and dissenting voices. Over the past few years, it has intensified its crackdown on young political activists, many of whom have become political prisoners and refugees. In the current political climate, promoting reconciliation domestically is increasingly challenging. However, the influx of younger political refugees migrating to countries with established Vietnam War refugee communities presents an opportunity for reconciliation.

Research Questions/Objectives:

The study aims to address the following questions: How can sustainable peace be achieved in Vietnam amidst unresolved internal conflicts? What role can grassroots initiatives and the overseas diaspora play in fostering reconciliation and challenging entrenched narratives of conflict?

Research Methodology and Method:

A qualitative research approach is employed, utilizing a literature review and analysis of primary sources to examine the current political climate in Vietnam and the experiences of political refugees overseas. Interviews with members of the overseas diaspora and an analysis of community dynamics are conducted to understand the potential for grassroots peacebuilding efforts.

Findings:

As more young Vietnamese study abroad and interact with the Vietnamese diaspora, avenues for dialogue and understanding are created. This paper underscores the urgent need for genuine reconciliation efforts in Vietnam and explores the potential for diaspora-led initiatives to contribute to this process.

Scholarly Significance:

Examining the complexities of post-war societies and the challenges of achieving sustainable peace offers insights into reconciliation pathways for countries facing post-war conflict.