Vietnam as ‘a middle power’ on the example of its cooperation with Indo-Chinese countries

Abstract

The article presents the process of evolution of Vietnam policy towards
other Indochinese countries in the broader context of changes in the direction
of Vietnam’s foreign policy. Hegemonic aspirations of Hanoi and imposing its
domination over Laos and Cambodia during the Cold War were met with the
resistance (also armed) and aversion of these countries. However, a departure
from the ideological aspect of foreign policy, reorientation to cooperation
and the membership in ASEAN have significantly influenced the change in
the approach of Vietnam. The withdrawal of troops from Cambodia and the
termination of the conflict, the support for the accession of Cambodia and
Laos to ASEAN contributed to a significant improvement of the image of

Vietnam in the region. Close cooperation – also in the sphere of development
– with Vientiane and Phnom Penh, both in the Association, and regardless of
its, cause the situation in which Hanoi changes from unwanted hegemony to
the accepted leader of Indo-Chinese states.