Assessing State and Societal Functions of the Military and the War Experience in Doi Moi Vietnam

Abstract

Studies on the military in Vietnam today see a concurrence between the changing role of the army—its growing economic role as well as its role as a tool to control the Vietnamese population—and the changing economy and international environment. How do we make sense of this evolution and its impact on civil—military relations in terms of power relations and authority? This study seeks to provide an analytical framework that shows how the military is not a homogeneous entity but rather is made up of various groups that derive uneven benefits from the post—cold war situation. The author’s contribution is primarily at the conceptual level, stressing the dynamics of power relations among the military, society, and state from a Weberian perspective. Doi moi, as an era of economic and social change, has redefined power relations. The author also emphasizes the generational and historical elements in civil—military relations that are specific to Vietnam.