From Soviet Friends to Eurasian Partners: Bilateral Relations with Vietnam in Russia's Evolving Foreign Policy

Abstract This study offers an analysis of the evolving nature of the Russia-Vietnam partnership, starting from its instigation in 1970s to present date. The study will concentrate on unveiling the rationale behind the current alignment, as it poses a paradox in that Russia and China are generally perceived as supportive of eacother, while China and Vietnam have several disputes. The study begins by laying a theoretical framework balancing theories and current state of academic debate. By drawing out the different approaches in the balancing-hedging debate, the thesis is built on balancing theory of the realist school of IR. The case study seeks to untangle the complex nature of a partnership that oft-times seems to be considered a priori, by offering insight into Russia’s considerations in its partnership with Vietnam. By analysing the domestic and systemic factors that have led Russia to reinvigorate the partnership since 1990s , the study demonstrates the complexity of Russia’s foreign policy behaviour that cannot fully be explained by traditional balancing theory.