U.S.-Vietnam Cultural Diplomacy Through Educational Cooperation: From Knowledge Connectivity to Soft Power Enhancement (2013-Present)

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of educational and training cooperation as a strategic pillar in advancing soft power, cultural diplomacy, and knowledge connectivity between Vietnam and the United States from 2001 to the present. Through the theoretical lenses of Constructivism and Soft Power, the paper examines the mechanisms through which education has driven a fundamental transformation in the structure of bilateral relations, evolving from a legacy of past hostility into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023. Utilizing qualitative research methods, policy document analysis, and case studies, the research highlights the dramatic expansion in both the scale and quality of international student mobility. Furthermore, it delves into iconic cooperative frameworks, notably Fulbright University Vietnam and the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund initiative in the semiconductor sector. This intellectual integration enhances Vietnam's national capacity, reinforces its technological autonomy, and firmly positions the nation as an innovative, dynamic, and deeply integrated actor on the global stage.