The Vietnam and the United States non-traditional security cooperation in the maritime capability buidling for Vietnam (2009-2021)

Abstract

The bilateral relations between Vietnam and the United States since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 have undergone many drastic changes and development. Looking back at the development of relations between the two countries, one of the areas contributing to the increased strategic nature of the relations is the non-traditional security cooperation. By delving into the realms of the non-traditional security, both countries enhance their diplomatic, political, and strategic proximity in general. This article examines the reasons why Vietnam and the United States have promoted the non-traditional security cooperation, specifically in maritime, over the past 10 years. To explain this, the article considers two factors. First, from the perspective of the realist theory of “covert balancing”, it is how big countries approach small countries and in parallel, small countries increase their capacity. At the same time, it is a strategic calculation when Vietnam and the United States promote the non-traditional security cooperation. Enhancing cooperation in this area keeps the bilateral relations at a low-key level but still promotes the strategic aspect of cooperation. From this perspective, the second factor is that Vietnam strategically leverages this collaboration to bolster maritime capabilities, particularly in the areas contributing to the defense capacity growth during the period spanning 2009 to 2021.