The Winding Road to US – Vietnam Reconciliation: Reflections from Ambassador Ted Osius
VIETNAM STUDIES PROGRAMME WEBINAR
About the Webinar
After the Vietnam War ended in 1975, it took the United States and Vietnam 20 years to normalize their diplomatic relations. Since then, however, bilateral ties have developed quickly and comprehensively. By 2021, the two countries have become important economic and security partners to each other, with bilateral ties continuously strengthened in various domains, especially trade, investment, education and defence. Yet, to get where they are now, the two countries have travelled a long and winding road towards reconciliation. During this process, they have undertaken different measures to heal war-time wounds, build mutual trust and respect, and pursue various practical cooperation initiatives to advance mutual interests. This webinar, presented by former American ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius, will review the efforts of the United States and Vietnam to promote their reconciliation since 1995 and the challenges that they have overcome along the way. It will also discuss the future trajectory of bilateral relations, especially against the backdrop of recent momentous changes in the regional geopolitical landscape.
About the Speaker
Ted Osius served from 2014 to 2017 as U.S. ambassador to Vietnam. Leading a team of 900, he devised and implemented strategies to deepen economic, security and cultural ties between the two countries. Before his ambassadorship in Vietnam, Osius served as deputy director of the Office of Korean Affairs at the State Department, regional environment officer for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and senior advisor on Asia and trade to Vice President Al Gore. Since his departure from government, Osius has served in different positions in the private sector, including Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy of Google Asia-Pacific and senior advisor at the Albright-Stonebridge Group. He has also held appointments in the education sector, including Vice President of Fulbright University Vietnam and Associate Professor at the National War College. Currently, Osius is serving as President and CEO of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council. His new book Nothing is Impossible–with a foreword by John Kerry–tells an inspiring story of how international diplomacy can create a better world and offers a vivid first-hand account of the various forms of diplomacy that brought about the reconciliation between the United States and Vietnam.
Registration
This webinar will be delivered online entirely. You can join the webinar at the specified date and time using devices (computer, phone, or tablet) with internet connection.
Please register here to receive your unique link for joining the webinar.
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To join the webinar,
1. Install the Zoom client onto your computer or download the app on your mobile device.
2. Click on the unique link in your email.
If you have questions for the panellists, please key in your questions via the Q&A, stating your name and affiliation. The moderator will field them to the panellist during the Q&A session.