The Role of Vietnam in Resolving Regional Conflicts in Mainland Southeast Asia in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century

Abstract

During the first half of the nineteenth century, Vietnam was considered the “center” of the “tributary system” in mainland Southeast Asia. As a major country in the region at that time, Vietnam tried to fulfill its responsibilities in the role of mediator to settle disputes and conflicts between countries, typically conflicts between Siam and Chenla and Siam and Van Tuong. In the context of being an equal country with Siam in terms of potential, and a “superior” country in relation to the “vassals” of Chenla and Van Tuong, it was not easy for the Nguyen Dynasty to find a suitable countermeasure to mediate these conflicts. However, with the policy of “positive neutrality,” the Nguyen Dynasty achieved great success in dissolving the contradictions between these relationships at that time. These successes have left many valuable lessons for Vietnam in its diplomatic behavior with countries in the region and in the world today.