Blue Pawn, Red Pawn and the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Gambit for Legitimacy

"This is a long-awaited book discussing systematically the political system in Vietnam: Why has the present political regime continued for such a long period, and what are the resources of legitimacy concerning the communist rule. The book also covers the recent development in the political scene, including the anti-corruption campaign and the frequent changes in the top leadership."--Shiraishi Masaya, Emeritus Professor, Waseda University, Former Chairman, Japan Society for Vietnamese Studies "As a business journalist at Forbes Vietnam, understanding shifts in socioeconomic trends and policymaking processes is crucial for my work. I am pleased to endorse this research book on Vietnam politics and the legitimacy-building of the one-party state’s leadership. The book delves into the intricate dynamics of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s legitimacy, which are instrumental in understanding the economic policies and reforms that have shaped Vietnam’s growth, especially since the Doi Moi era. The exploration of current challenges, including Western influence, corruption, governance issues and territorial disputes, offers a comprehensive understanding of the pressures faced by the CPV. While the book may not be an easy read for the general public, it remains a valuable and rare contribution to the study of Vietnam politics, an area that, in my opinion, has not been covered well or frequently enough."--Nguyen Trong Nam, Journalist, Forbes Vietnam