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Existing literature on Vietnam´s ASEAN membership causes not few puzzles. This book endeavors to throw new light on the problem, investigating the dynamics of Vietnam´s ASEAN-based integration policy since the late 1980s to pursue the three mutually reinforcing strategic goals: economic development and industrialization (development goal); addressing China´s assertiveness in the South China Sea and the US-led "peaceful evolution" threat to Vietnam´s communist regime (security goal); and building "national standing," defined in terms of enhancement of Vietnam´s diplomatic standing and political influence, in the regional and global communities. This book also provides an in-depth examination in the major and great powers´ foreign policies as well as the changing Asia-Pacific regional architecture as a ground for Vietnamese leaders´ policy making and implementation in each historical period. Thus, the book is useful for students, scholars, policy-makers, and researchers of international relations, especially in the East Asian region.

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Quyet H. Nguyen, Dr.: Studied International Relations at the International University of Japan and Japan National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS). Lecturer of International Relations in East Asia and Vietnam´s Contemporary Foreign Policy at Vinh University, Vietnam. Vice Director of Vinh University Center for Foreign Languages.

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