The theory on military and national defence is a crucial aspect of the Party’s revolutionary path, receiving special attention from President Ho Chi Minh and our Party. Deeply ingrained V.I. Lenin’s viewpoint that “Without revolutionary theory, there would be no revolutionary movement”, President Ho Chi Minh emphasised that “Theory is like a compass; it guides us in practical work” and “Not understanding theory is like a blind man walking in the dark”. Thoroughly grasping and strictly implementing President Ho Chi Minh’s viewpoint on the pioneering role of revolutionary theory, our Party has alway paid attention and taken care the work of researching and developing theoretical frameworks, including military and national defence theory, to provide scientific foundations for shaping the Party’s directions, government’s policies and laws in the cause of building and safeguarding the nation throughout various stages of revolution.

Recognising the significance and the urgent, objective demands of researching and developing military and national defence theory under new conditions, since 2018, the General Political Department of the Vietnam People’s Army and the Central Theoretical Council have thoroughly grasped and fulfilled their functions and responsibilities, effectively performed political tasks while also enhancing theoretical research with developing military and national defence theory, achieving significant outcomes.

Reflecting on the work of researching and developing military and national defence theory by the General Political Department of the Vietnam People’s Army and the Central Theoretical Council after nearly 40 years of renovation, especially over the past six years of implementing the joint research programme between the two agencies, numerous research findings have been refined and consolidated, providing theoretical and practical basis for advising and consulting the Central Executive Committee, the Political Bureau, and the Secretariat in formulating policies, directions on military and national defence, national protection in the new era. Up to now, our Party has established a fundamental theoretical framework on military and national defence that provides directional guidance for the successful execution of the two strategic tasks: building and safeguarding the Fatherland, particularly a comprehensive, synchronous and fundamental interpretation regarding goals, missions, perspectives, strengths, forces, ideologies, principles, and methods for national defence and the relationship between building and safeguarding the Fatherland, between socio-economic development and national defence, security, and foreign relations; regarding partners and objectives; regarding the absolute, direct, and comprehensive leadership role of the Party, as well as the centralised and unified management of the Government over the military and the tasks of national defence, protecting the country; regarding the objectives, guiding principles, forces, timing, scope, and methodologies for safeguarding the country proactively from early stages; regarding the establishment of an all people national defence, building the all people national defence posture, people’s security posture, linked with the firm establishment of the “people’s hearts and minds posture”; regarding the three-tiered structure of the people’s armed forces, building a revolutionary, regular, elite, modernised People’s Army, with certain branches and forces advancing directly towards modernisation; building an “elite, compact and strong” military force with strong foundations in political, ideological, ethical, organisational, and cadre aspects; regarding the construction of political and spiritual factors within the Army, new standards for “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers” in the new situation; regarding the defensive areas and civil defence; traditional and non-traditional security concerns and their influence on carrying out the military, national defence missions; regarding protecting the ideological foundation of the Party, countering hostile views on military, national defence, and national protection.

In recent years, in implementing the coordinated efforts between the General Political Department of the Vietnam People’s Army and the Central Theoretical Council in researching and developing theories on military and national defence, the two agencies have jointly authored 14 specialised topics for the 11th Congress of the Military Party Committee and the 13th Congress of the Party, as well as for the upcoming 12th Congress of the Military Party Committee and the 14th Congress of the Party. The General Political Department of the Vietnam People’s Army has advised the Central Theoretical Council to assign four projects in the KX.04 Programme for critical theoretical political science research at national-level to military agencies and units as leads. 24 practical surveys have also been conducted in various military agencies and units, many conferences, workshops, discussions, and scientific exchanges with a high level of political responsibility have been held to produce findings in practical summaries and research on new theoretical issues regarding military and national defence in the new situation. In 2023, the agencies successfully coordinated and held the Conference on scientific theory research within the Vietnam People’s Army and a national scientific seminar titled “Several theoretical and practical issues in building an elite, compact and strong Vietnam People’s Army-Value, significance, and direction”, a scientific dialogue: Thoroughly grasp the guiding principles in the book “Resolute and persistent in struggling against corruption, negative phenomena, contributing to building a cleaner and stronger Party and Government” by former General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, which was conducted in both in-person and online participation, featuring 130 delegates at the Ministry of National Defence headquarters and 41 military units with 1,600 delegates across the army.

The two agencies have closely collaborated in researching, constructing, and providing scientific arguments to support the Party’s ideological foundation, counteracting false, hostile, reactionary, and politically opportunistic viewpoints. The General Political Department of the Vietnam People’s Army and the Central Theoretical Council have conducted an annual programme and plan to combat these false and hostile perspectives, focusing on leading and directing the work of research and develop scientific arguments to defend and develop Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh thought, and the Party’s viewpoints and guidelines; combat again schemes and tactics aimed at undermining the Military and the armed forces, “self-evolution”, “self-transformation”, and the tactics of “peaceful evolution”, thereby maintaining the ideological front of the Party in general, and within the Army in particular. Steering Committee 35 and the core forces of both agencies, particularly those of the General Political Department, have effectively organised, managed, and guided information, strengthening positive communication; enhanced coordination responsibility between military and non-military forces in countering and refuting false, hostile, and defamatory viewpoints that distort the lives, careers, personalities, and ethics of the founders of Marxism-Leninism, President Ho Chi Minh, Party leaders, national heroes, and pioneering leaders of the Vietnamese revolution.

Both agencies have actively innovated their coordination methods in determining the content, arguments, and viewpoints, particularly by assigning experienced and highly specialised experts from the Central Theoretical Council to deliver updates and specialised presentations to military agencies, units, and academies. They have also provided training for social science and humanities teachers and lecturers in military academies.

The General Political Department and the Central Theoretical Council co-chair the Conference on theoretical study in the Vietnam People's Army (Photo: qdnd.vn)

Based on the results of coordinated theoretical and practical research on national defence in the cause of safeguarding the Fatherland, the two agencies have provided advice and recommendations to the Central Military Commission, the Central Executive Committee, the Secretariat, and the Political Bureau, proposing the development of specialised reports directly serving the drafting of documents for the 11th Congress of the Military Party Committee and the 13th Congress of the Party; supporting the 30-year review of implementing the Platform for national construction in the transitional period towards socialism, the 10-year review of implementing the 8th Central Resolution (11th tenure) on the National Defence Strategy in the new situation, and have proposed the issuance of the 8th Central Resolution (13th tenure) on National Defence Strategy in the new situation; issuing and implementing the Vietnam Military Strategy, Vietnam National Defence Strategy, Border Defence Strategy, Cybersecurity Defence Strategy, National Security Strategy, and the Cryptography Development Strategy of Vietnam by 2030 with orientations toward 2045, alongside research, amend and supplement the legal system on military and national defence, etc. These reports also serve as a critical source of scientific evidence for reviewing the 40-year renovation process, 50 years since national reunification. Moreover, these efforts provide essential resources for drafting documents for the 12th Congress of the Military Party Committee and the 14th Congress of the Party concerning military and national defence issues.

From the practical experience of coordinating research and develop theory on the military and national defence between the General Political Department of the Vietnam People’s Army and the Central Theoretical Council, several key lessons can be drawn:

Firstly, effectively leveraged the strengths of each agency, identified the right issues, thoroughly grasped the situation, and prioritised practical summaries, analysis, and forecasting. Based on this, selected issues carefully for the Programme of coordinated research and develop theory on military, national defence, and national protection. As a result, the contributions from these coordinated efforts have proven accurate, with high theoretical and practical value.

Secondly, both agencies demonstrated proactivity and creativity throughout the organisation and implementation process, particularly by highlighting the roles of key leaders and support units. As a result, the collaborative programme on research and development of theory concerning military and national defence was executed according to schedule, meeting quality standards and fulfilling established requirements.

Thirdly, the process has consistently benefited from comprehensive guidance from the Political Bureau and the Secretariat, with in-depth direction from the General Secretary regarding the Central Military Commission and the Central Theoretical Council; close, consistent, and effective oversight from the leadership of the Ministry of National Defence, the Central Theoretical Council, and the General Political Department of the Vietnam People’s Army in every task; the dedication with the highest sense of responsibility of each individual assigned to the task.

In the coming years, peace, cooperation, and development remain primary global trends, however, the international landscape is changing at a highly rapid, complex, and unpredictable pace; fundamental conflicts continue to exist and evolve, while new conflicts emerge. Although large-scale wars are less likely, strategic competition and local conflicts may intensify. The global landscape is shifting toward multipolar, multi-centred structure; major countries simultaneously cooperate, compromise, compete, and restrain each other, while intervening in and influencing the internal affairs of other countries, etc. The Fourth Industrial Revolution continues to advance, creating opportunities and breakthroughs across multiple fields but also posing numerous challenges. Non-traditional security threats, especially cybersecurity, terrorism, natural disasters, and epidemics, remain complex issues; new forms of warfare are emerging, reshaping the strategic environment and profoundly affecting every nation and people.

The Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, including Southeast Asia, remain dynamic areas of development but are also focal points for strategic competition among major countries, with numerous complex security hotspots. Territorial, maritime, and island disputes, particularly in the East Vietnam Sea, are becoming increasingly intense, complex, and fierce, raising the risk of conflict. Unresolved issues in some land border areas and the delimiting historical waters at sea between Vietnam and Cambodia also face ongoing challenges.

Domestically, the nation’s position, power, overall national strength, and international prestige continue to be reinforced and elevated. However, the country still faces numerous challenges and difficulties; the four identified risks persist, some of which have been mitigated, while others may grow increasingly complex; hostile forces, reactionary elements, and political opportunists both inside and outside the country are intensifying “peaceful evolution” activities, openly and directly employing new tactics to undermine country’s stability. The tasks of building the military, strengthening national defence, and safeguarding the Fatherland face new and additional requirements.

The emerging domestic and international context poses new challenges for research and develop thoery on military and national defence in the cause of nation’s construction and protection. Inheriting past achievements and deeply understanding the new situation, the coordination between the General Political Department of the Vietnam People’s Army and the Central Theoretical Council should focus on effectively implementing the following key areas in their upcoming theoretical research and development in military and national defence:

First, fully and clearly aware the tasks of research and develop theory on military, national defence, security, people’s warfare art, Vietnamese military art, and the art of protecting national security, human security, social security under the new situation, following the spirit of the 13th Congress Documents, especially Resolution No. 44-NQ/TW of the Central Executive Committee, dated 24 November 2023, on the Strategy for Homeland protection in the new situation. Particularly, focus on enhancing strategic forecasting capabilities, maintaining proactive strategic control, and avoiding passive or unexpected situations. Coordination to firmly grasp the context and its development, enabling in-depth research on guiding viewpoints and thoughts, mottos, principles, policies and strategic solutions in performing military and national defence tasks; emerging issues in practise of military, national defence, and national protection should be carefully studied, providing a strong theoretical and practical foundation for advising the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defence, and the Central Theoretical Council to give recommendations to the Party and Government in formulating military, national defence, and homeland protection policies, guidelines and laws in the new situation.

Second, continue to effectively implement the content and tasks outlined in the Programme and plan for coordinated theory research-practice on military and national defence between the General Political Department of the Vietnam People’s Army and the Central Theoretical Council for the 2021–2026 period. The focus is on developing specialised topics, checking and ensuring the timely and high-quality completion of projects under the government-level KX.04 Programme on political theory research in the fields of military, national defence, and homeland protection; completing reports with recommendations to supplement the 40-year review of the renovation process, the 50-year anniversary of national reunification, the advancement toward socialism, and the drafts for the Party’s 14th Congress in the areas of military and national defence.

Additionally, continue working together to produce specialised topics and publications that support social sciences and humanities education within the military, thus contributing to the enhancement, refinement, and advancement of Vietnamese military theory; propaganda, political and ideological education for military personnel. Proactively and closely cooperate in the task of protecting the Party’s ideological foundation while combating erroneous and hostile viewpoints, especially newly arising and specific issues. The Central Theoretical Council will propose tasks and topics to build a theoretical argument system for defending the Party’s ideological foundation, countering adversarial viewpoints. Meanwhile, the General Political Department will leverage Steering Committee 35 of the Central Military Commission as a vital and highly effective force in developing arguments; proactively collaborating with the Ministry of Public Security to detect, prevent, and propose strict legal actions against violators. Both agencies will continue to share topics information, academic exchanges, and briefings on mutual areas of interest.

Third, continue to collaborate in promoting the role of various organisations and forces in summarising practical experiences, conducting research, and developing military and national defence theory. In the upcoming time, it is essential to strengthen cooperation across the military and the entire political system in summarising practical experiences and researching theories, starting with Party and government agencies, the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defence, strategic agencies, research centres, and educational institutions both within and outside the military. These agencies and forces are tasked with organising practical summaries, conducting research, and developing theories on specific areas of military and national defence under the direct leadership and guidance of the Political Bureau, the Secretariat, the Central Department of Propaganda and Education, the Central Theoretical Council, etc. Within the Military, there are the Institute for Defence Strategy Study, the Institute of Military Social Sciences and Humanities, the Military History Institute, the National Defence Academy, and the Army Academy, along with functional departments of the Ministry of National Defence and various military academies and schools. The participation of these organisations will contribute significantly to enhancing the quality and effectiveness of military and national defence theory research and development. Therefore, it is necessary to implement solutions to effectively mobilise and encourage the dynamism and creativity of the scientific military personnel, scientific military theory personnel, national defence personnel and other specialists; enhance the research capacity, practical review, abilities to analyse, forecast, and advise to support the development of new theories. Additionally, there should be policies and mechanisms to provide adequate material and moral incentives for scientists, attracting talent to contribute to this field.

Fourth, strengthen the leadership and direction from the Party Committee, chief officer of the General Political Department, and the Standing Committee of the Central Theoretical Council in coordinating research and develop theory on  military and national defence. Accordingly, the Party Committees and Party organisations within both agencies should continue to comprehensively lead the theory research, development, and practical summarisation in military and national defence affairs. Assign the work of organising the implementation of tasks scientifically and clearly, promoting the roles and responsibility of organisations and individuals; creating a democratic atmosphere and a scientific, supportive work environment that enables cadres to showcase their capabilities, intelligence, and creativity in conducting research, actively following reality, improving the ability to detect, boldly advising, and proposing new issues to supplement and develop military and national defence theory, meeting the requirements and tasks set forth.

Fifth, continue to complete policy mechanisms, ensuring timely motivation and commendations for collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements in scientific research and theory development in military and national defence. This involves investing in facilities and finances, consistently providing information and resources essential for research and develop theory activities in the evolving context of military and national defence.

In recent years, the General Political Department of the Vietnam People’s Army and the Central Theoretical Council have closely and effectively coordinated, achieving many positive results, some of which are quite remarkable. Based on these achievements, particularly the valuable lessons learned, under the close and consistent guidance from the leadership of the Ministry of National Defence, the Central Theoretical Council, and the General Political Department, we are confident that the cooperation between the two agencies will yield even better results with many products that have theoretical and practical values, providing a scientific foundation to advise and assist the Central Military Commission, the Central Executive Committee, the Secretariat, and the Political Bureau in formulating, completing, and advancing military and national defence policies, thereby contributing to the construction and protection of the nation in the new situation.

Prof., Dr. NGUYEN XUAN THANG, Member of the Political Bureau, Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Political Academy