The author of the “soft power” theory, which has been applied widely in many countries, said although Vietnam is a small country it has many opportunities to enhance its soft power.

Among developing countries, Vietnam has obtained an impressive growth rate and has a positive attitude to climate change, the current hot topic in the world.

Prof. Nye said that Vietnam should lead ASEAN to an agreement to fight climate change. That is the secret to Vietnam raising its soft power.

He said that Vietnam can learn from India in its attitude to climate change. India supported China’s viewpoint but based on its interests, India has changed its stance and since then it has received worldwide support.

As chairman of ASEAN, Vietnam should raise its own suggestions. ASEAN is an important mechanism to prevent regional conflicts but ASEAN can also play a bigger role in the world in preventing climate change. This will enhance Vietnam and ASEAN’s soft power and benefit all according to the man seen as one of America’s finest thinkers.

An official from the Economics Department of the Foreign Ministry questioned that when developing soft power, in some cases, should Vietnam partly sacrifice hard power? For example, if Vietnam wants to take the lead in combating climate change, should it be prepared to accept slower economic growth?

“It is a mistake to only use soft power and build a reputation while hard power is affected,” Prof. Nye responded.

According to him Vietnam should invest in good projects for the future while building its reputation. For example, Vietnam needs to say no to polluting projects.

Vietnam has also used Internet development well to serve economic development.

The American advised Vietnam to learn from “should-do” and “should-not-do” actions of its neighbor, China.

Cooperating with ASEAN is the best way for Vietnam, he advised. “Vietnam and ASEAN have to build a structure of cooperation which not only benefits China but also Vietnam and ASEAN countries,” he said.

Prof. Nye added that Vietnam has to be able to self defend. Like Singapore, Vietnam needs to equip itself with enough military power to protect itself. However, Vietnam has to be attractive to other countries so if Vietnam is attacked, others will raise voices of protest and the attacking country would suffer.

He several times reminded listeners that Vietnam has to combine both soft and the hard power in order to have the most suitable strategy.

Deputy PM Nguyen Thien Nhan concluded the talk by saying that Vietnam would prove to the region that they can rely on each other to set up a broad international framework for solving regional and international issues.
He said Vietnam should be patient in developing the region and enhance cooperation with other countries by helping them further understand Vietnamese people and Vietnam’s policies.

He also said that Vietnam and its leaders must learn about soft power.

Source: Vietnamnet