Authority Relations and Economic Decision-Making in Vietnam

An Historical Perspective

by Dang Phong & Melanie Beresford

Phong_AuthorityRel.jpg
118 pp.,
NIAS Reports # 38
Available from NIAS Press worldwide




Hardback - 1998, Available
ISBN 978 87 87062 65 7, £25.00


This study examines the evolution of state institutions since 1945 in Vietnam in order to understand the continuities since the commencement of market-oriented economic reforms as well as the extent to which rapid social change has altered authority relations and decision-making processes. It looks particularly at relations between the Communist Party, government and legislature and at those between central and local authorities.

What emerges is a more democratic or pluralist system than is portrayed in the 'totalitarian' and 'bureaucratic authoritarian' models. This helps to explain the apparent flexibility of the Vietnamese political system in the face of rapid economic transition, as well as strengths and weaknesses in the democratization process.

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  • Jan. 24 2012

    Apparently, the hot travel destinations this year are Uganda and Burma – at least according to Lonely Planet aficionados. If true, then sales of a recent NIAS Press book – listed as recommended reading in the latest edition of the Lonely Planet guide to Myanmar/Burma – might be about to explode (or maybe not, given its subject matter).

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