How Nguyen Phu Trong Transformed Vietnamese Politics

Vietnam’s longtime communist party general secretary, Nguyen Phu Trong, died recently at age 80. Although he assumed senior positions in Vietnamese politics relatively late in life, Trong dramatically changed Vietnam’s politics, foreign policy, and society as general secretary and president. His consolidation of power in a formerly consensus-based authoritarianism, an anti-corruption battle that destroyed political opponents, a crackdown on dissent, and a bolder foreign policy that re-empowered the military will almost surely be embraced by his successor. Indeed, the Trong-era shifts make it possible for the next leader––whether that is the president, general secretary, or both––to wield almost dictatorial powers. However, this could add fuel to growing Vietnamese popular anger over the Community Party’s governance.

For more on Trong’s legacy, please see my new article for World Politics Review.