Ted is one of few foreigners to witness Vietnam’s transformation into the dynamic, forward-thinking country it is today since his arrival back in 1996.

In the latest episode of You Don’t Know Vietnam, former US Ambassador Ted Osius discusses the forces behind this transformation and why he’s betting on Vietnam’s future.

Deliberate, not accidental

Vietnam’s transformation is no overnight miracle. 

It’s a result of a calculated, long-term strategy. Ted discusses how this journey began with the 1986 “Đổi Mới” (Renovation) reforms, establishing a modern market economy by blending traditional values with global innovations to achieve rapid acceleration.

At the heart of this progress is Vietnam's "Bamboo Diplomacy", a strategic approach to foreign relations characterised by flexibility, resilience, and strong roots.

By remaining steadfast in its heritage and strengthening ties with major countries, Vietnam successfully navigated complex geopolitical shifts to choose “openness at every turn.”

Betting on Vietnam: the strategic power of optimism

Ted, mirroring the sentiment of millions, observes a nation defined by unshakeable confidence and a strong commitment to its future. Vietnamese people know exactly what they are doing and what they want to accomplish.

This momentum is fueled by a young, dynamic, and hardworking workforce. Today's youth are the primary architects of the nation's modernisation, leading the way in emerging sectors like technology, science, and innovation.

The synergy between institutional stability and youthful ambition makes the goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045 an achievable outcome. For Ted, this optimism is one of Vietnam’s most powerful assets.

A tale of two cities: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

Ted describes Vietnam as a “long, complicated, diverse country with multiple urban centres.” This geographic and social diversity is one of the most compelling aspects of the nation, offering a depth that is rarely found elsewhere. 

The relationship between Vietnam’s two primary urban powerhouses offers a unique window into the country’s character. Living in both cities for years, Ted explains it using a simple American comparison: 

Hanoi is the Washington D.C. of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is its New York. 

Hanoi, the political capital, functions as the nation’s heart: immersed in history, governance, and traditional values. Ho Chi Minh City, the commercial engine, serves as its soul: vibrant, entrepreneurial, and visionary. 

This contrast delivers a fascinating blend of the past and the present.

How can a simple pronoun transcend diplomatic tension?

Real-world interactions are nuanced. 

Ted discloses a past exchange where once learning his role at the U.S. embassy, a woman immediately transcended past tension between their countries by referring to him as her younger brother, embodying a spirit of forgiveness, reconciliation, and shaping his whole experience in Vietnam. 

Using familial pronouns such as “anh” (older brother) or “em” (younger sibling) instantly bridges the gap between strangers, fostering mutual care that formal titles can’t convey.

For him – with the help of bar girls on Đồng Khởi street, mastering this was the key to navigating Vietnamese society with true empathy. These interactions are powerful, intimate indicators of intent and complexity of the Vietnamese mindset.