The book encompasses the history of Vietnam as well as its economic growth and political discourse within the country. Vietnam emerged strongly after fighting three wars with global powers-France, the US and China, and has developed good relations with ASEAN members, European countries and even the US. While it is actively engaged in protecting its sovereign borders and islands in South China Sea, it has carved a place as the emerging middle power in Asia through its robust economic growth, political stability and progressive economic liberalization measures. This is further complemented by strategic partnerships, effective military modernization programme and proactive diplomacy in multilateral forums. The book advocates that Vietnam has fulfilled all criteria to be recognized as the middle power in Asia and its strategic location would act as a vantage point for Indo-Pacific discourse also. Contents: Preface Acknowledgements 1. Introduction/ Pankaj Jha and Thi-Hue Quach 2. Vietnam: Country, Society and Culture/ Thi-Dung Nguyen 3. Vietnamese History: A Background/ Trong-Hung Vu 4. Doi-Moi and Economic Reforms: A Road to Growth/ Le-Dung Phung 5. Political Reforms and Democracy Innovation in Vietnam/ Tuan-Thuy Nguyen 6. Vietnam’s Defense and Security Policy/ Truong-Thu Doan 7. Vietnam’s Ties with Superpowers and the European Union/ Thi-Hong-Hanh Nguyen 8. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and India/ Van-Son Nguyen 9. Vietnam-China Neighbourhood Relations: From Past to the Present/ Thu-Ha Nguyen 10. Vietnam’s Relations with Laos, Cambodia and Thailand/ Thi-Hong-Mai Nguyen 11. The Relationship Between Vietnam and Regional and International Organizations/ Van-Huong Le and Thi-Hong-Hoa Vu 12. Vietnam’s Soft Power in International Relations/ Thi-Trang Le 13. Vietnam as a Middle Power: Does is Fulfill the Criteria?/ Thi-Hue Quach Conclusion Contributors