Vietnam: The Struggle for National Identity

by D.R. SarDesai

This introduction to Vietnam brings an often-lacking historical perspective to the evaluation of this conflict-ridden nation. The author places Vietnam in the context of its traditional cultural and colonial relationship with China and its more recent experience under the French. Arguing that the quest for national identity has been a recurring theme throughout Vietnamese history, the author asserts that nationalism, more than communism, fuelled the nation's recent struggle against France, the United States and China. The second half of the book examines the post-war era, including Vietnam's decade-long occupation of Cambodia, the recent UN settlement, and Hanoi's evolving relations with the major powers.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published April 6, 1992

About the author

Dr. Damodar R. SarDesai is Emeritus Professor of History at UCLA. He formerly served as both Chair and Vice-Chair of the History Department at UCLA. Professor SarDesai is one of the world's leading South-East Asia scholars, although he has also researched & written extensively in the field of South Asian studies, and is perhaps best known as the author of 'Southeast Asia: Past & Present', which is now in its seventh edition. Professor SarDesai has received so many grants, awards and honors during the course of his career that I am not even going to attempt listing them.

Reviews

[Pamela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting book but unfortunately the author rehashes the same information and facts over and over again.