Journal of Institute for South Asian, West Asian and African Studies, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences
Nepal là một trong số các quốc gia có ngành nông nghiệp đóng vai trò quan trọng trong việc duy trì sinh kế, đảm bảo an ninh lương thực và thúc đẩy tăng trưởng kinh tế. Tuy nhiên, sản lượng nông nghiệp của nước này vẫn còn tương đối thấp một phần do việc áp dụng khoa học - kỹ thuật và phương thức canh tác hiện đại còn hạn chế cũng như dễ bị ảnh hưởng bởi biến đổi khí hậu.
The role of remittances in Nepal’s economy, politics, and society
For many countries worldwide, remittances play a crucial role in driving the domestic economy, thereby contributing to political and socilal stability. Nepal, a South Asian country, receives substantial remittance inflows each year, which contribute to national development. Drawing on secondary data, this paper clarifies the contributions of remittances to Nepal’s domestic economy, politics, and society. It argues that although remittances have made positive contributions to GDP growth and certain aspects of the economy, they have not been effectively leveraged to promote political and social stability at home.
Strengthening Vietnam - Nepal economic relations in the new context
This article examines the current state of economic relations between Vietnam and Nepal, with a focus on key areas such as trade, investment, tourism, and the bilateral policy framework. The study aims to assess the level of development of bilateral economic cooperation while identifying major opportunities and barriers affecting bilateral economic relations. Employing a qualitative approach based on the analysis and synthesis of secondary data and policy analysis, the findings indicate that Vietnam - Nepal economic relations remains limited in scale and falls short of its potential due to constraints related to infrastructure connectivity, legal frameworks, and market information. On this basis, the article proposes several policy recommendations to promote bilateral economic relations in the coming period.
Vietnam - Nepal economic cooperation: Opportunities and challenges
Amid fluctuations in the regional and global economy, Vietnam has promoted the diversification of its external economic relations and sought potential markets in South Asia, where Nepal is regarded as a partner with stable political foundations and complementary economic structures. The study assesses the Vietnam - Nepal economic cooperation using a SWOT analytical framework and secondary data. The findings indicate that bilateral economic relations benefit from a favorable political foundation and have established several complementary trade flows. Nevertheless, limitations remain, including the small scale of transactions, trade imbalance and high logistics costs. On this basis, the study proposes promoting cooperation through product clusters with comparative advantages, strengthening distribution channels, enhancing non-price competitiveness, and linking goods trade with services cooperation, thereby fostering more substantive and sustainable bilateral economic relations.
NEPAL TRONG TIẾN TRÌNH PHÁT TRIỂN BỀN VỮNG VÀ ỨNG PHÓ VỚI BIẾN ĐỔI KHÍ HẬU: HÀM Ý HỢP TÁC VỚI VIỆT NAM
Nepal - quốc gia nằm trên dãy Himalaya - là một trong những nước chịu tác động nghiêm trọng của biến đổi khí hậu do địa hình núi cao, hệ sinh thái mong manh và năng lực thích ứng còn hạn chế. Hiện tượng tan băng, gia tăng nguy cơ vỡ hồ băng, lũ quét, sạt lở đất và thời tiết cực đoan đang gây ra những hệ lụy sâu sắc đối với kinh tế - xã hội và môi trường của quốc gia này. Bằng phương pháp phân tích tài liệu thứ cấp, bài viết làm rõ thực trạng tác động của biến đổi khí hậu tại Nepal, làm rõ các chính sách, mô hình và kinh nghiệm của Nepal trong ứng phó với biến đổi khí hậu gắn với phát triển bền vững, từ đó đưa ra một số hàm ý hợp tác Việt Nam - Nepal trong lĩnh vực này.
Vietnam - Nepal cooperation in hydropower development: The case of the Tanahu Hydropower Project
This article examines Vietnam - Nepal cooperation in the Tanahu Hydropower Project. The study aims to clarify Vietnam’s role in the project, assess the outcomes of bilateral cooperation, and derive relevant policy implications. A case study approach is employed, drawing on secondary data from official reports of the Government of Nepal, international financial institutions, and related academic studies. The findings suggest that the Tanahu Hydropower Project reflects a cooperation model centered on the transfer of technical capacity through the export of consulting, design, and construction servieces. This arrangement has allowed Nepal to strengthen its technical capabilities while retaining strategic control over its energy assets, while also contributing to the enhanced presence of Vietnamese enterprises in international infrastructure and energy development cooperation.
Boosting tourism cooperation between Vietnam - Nepal
Tourism is one of the key industries playing a pivotal role in the economic development strategies of many countries. Vietnam and Nepal-two nations with rich historical and cultural legacies, are jointly strengthening their longstanding traditional friendship through multiple diplomatic channels, including people-to-people diplomacy (Nhan Dan, 2025). This study analyzes the strategies and potential for Vietnam-Nepal tourism cooperation, adopting an interdisciplinary approach that bridges public policy and international relations and employs a comparative method. While both countries possess significant tourism potential and a solid political foundation, bilateral cooperation remains constrained by limited air connectivity and administrative procedures. The study proposes strategic recommendations to promote spiritual tourism as a “soft bridge” and to improve connectivity infrastructure in order to optimize the potential for cooperation.
Fifty years of Vietnam - Nepal relations (1975 - 2025): From solidarity within the Non-Aligned Movement to multilateral partnership
This study focuses on analyzing Vietnam - Nepal relations with the broader trajectory of multilateral diplomacy over the past half-century (1975 - 2025). Drawing on theoretical perspectives concerning the role of multilateral institutions in norm-setting and safeguarding the interests of small and medium-sized states, the article highlights convergences in the foreign policy orientations of the two countries, rooted in the Bandung Spirit and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). The findings demonstrate that Vietnam and Nepal have progressed bayond on traditional bilateral ties to act as active participants in the construction of a rules-based international order. Furthermore, their shared vision reflects a commitment to building a resilient multilateral that upholds national autonomy while promoting sustainable development in a multipolar and turbulent world.
The new population policy - A religious perspective
Vietnam is entering a period of population aging, with fertility rates falling below replacement level in many provinces and cities. The new population policy represents an important turning point in Vietnam’s population strategy after a long period of continuity. Vietnam’s population issues are not only characterized by low fertility rates but also by a sex imbalance at birth. In the long term, these factors affect population quality and generate various social problems. This paper approaches religious perspectives on childbirth to highlight the alignment between these perspectives and the new population policy. Religious philosophy addresses the issue of sex imbalance at birth by emphasizing respect for life and the inherent equality of fetuses. However, the attitudes of different religions diverge on the use of contraception as well as assisted reproductive interventions.
Repositioning the United Nations in a fragmented world
Using an interdisciplinary research approach in combination with methods of international relations, the article argues that the United Nations is facing significant challenges, partly due to policy changes by major powers, and partly stemming from its own internal issues. The United Nations is entering a period in which significant reforms are required to adapt and reposition itself in the new context. With its credibility and inherent strengths, the United Nations is well-placed to continue playing a role unmatched by any other international organization, particularly in global governance.
Nepal’s public diplomacy activities and their implications for Vietnam
Public diplomacy activities are recognized as a crucial foreign policy tool that builds trust, repairs damaged relationships, and promotes an environment conducive to international collaboration. This article aims to identify and evaluate Nepal's public diplomacy activities on the basis of the five subjects of public diplomacy as defined by Nicholas Cull (2009), including: (1) Listening; (2) Exchange diplomacy; (3) Cultural diplomacy; (4) International communication; (5) Advocacy, thereby drawing some implications for Vietnam. The research findings indicate that Nepal has been successful in leveraging its national cultural legacy to build a recognizable national image. However, to maintain positive perceptions, the country needs to focus on institutionalizing and professionalizing its public diplomacy activities.
An assessment of the Indian local governance model and suggestions for Vietnam
Based on the methods of synthesis and analysis of secondary sources, the paper provides an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the Indian local governance model after the passing of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts in 1992. The paper asserts that, in terms of the strengths, the Indian local governance model has created a broad grassroots democratic foundation, enhancing representation and mobilizing people’s participation in local governance. However, this model has certain weaknesses in terms of real decentralization, limited funding and resources, and weak capacity of local officials... Despite its shortcomings, the Indian local governance model is highly appreciated for its scale, inclusiveness and can give useful suggestions for Vietnam in the current process of administrative restructuring.
The impact of oil extraction on the environment and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region
The Niger Delta region of Nigeria, is an important oil extraction hub that contributes greatly to the national economy. However, prolonged oil extraction has caused many negative impacts on the environment and community livelihoods. This paper assesses the impact of oil extraction on the environment and the possibility for sustainable development in the Niger Delta. By using the method of secondary data collection, the research findings show that oil extraction leads to soil, water and air pollution, degrading biodiversity and livelihoods of local communities. The paper also focuses on analyzing environmental management policies, ecological restoration projects and sustainable development solutions, and highlights the urgent need for effective oil management, environmental restoration and support for local communities.
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Overview and prospects
The birth of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was a significant milestone in the pursuit of a unified continental economic space across Africa. The paper uses a qualitative research approach, in combination with a systematic review of AfCFTA legal texts and credible secondary data sources. The findings indicate that the AfCFTA is designed as an “open and evolutionary” framework, combining ambitious and comprehensive goals with a multi-layered institutional structure. At the same time, AfCFTA is facing substantial challenges, including institutional overlap, development asymmetries among member states, and infrastructure constraints. Nevertheless, the AfCFTA’s outlook remains bright, promising to boost intra-African trade, expand regional value chains, and generate new momentum for the continent’s industrialization.
Power structures and the challenge of indigenous language preservation in Africa
This article analyzes the power structures shaping the preservation of indigenous languages in Africa within a postcolonial landscape, with particular attention to developments after 2010. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of linguistic human rights, postcolonial language hierarchies, and multilingual governance, the study demonstrates that although many African countries have made notable progress in institutionalizing indigenous languages through multilingual education, decentralized language planning, and technological application, these efforts remain constrained by colonial legacies, epistemic inequalities, and weak coordination between state institutions and communities. Structural barriers, including legal shortcomings, insufficient funding,“self-colonization” psychology and widening digital disparities have rendered many policies largely symbolic. The article argues that the preservation of indigenous languages can only be effective when embedded within broader strategies aimed at reducing epistemic inequality and expanding the participatory rights of mother-tongue-speaking communities.
Japanese cultural features in Kabuki art
Japanese culture has both the common characteristics of Northeast Asian culture and at the same time retains its own distinctive features. When discussing Japanese culture, it is essential to mention its theatrical arts - particularly Kabuki - a traditional theater form, widely known in the world. Born in the early 17th century and was considered an art form for the urban class - the lower section of the society, till date, Kabuki has had an important position in the overall culture of Japan. By using historical research methods, the paper shows that, Japanese cultural features are reflected in this theatre art form, which are the receptivity and transformation of external elements, secularism and reverence for authority, making Kabuki one of the cultural symbols of this country.
Thailand Buddhism from traditional to modernity: The role of Buddhist Sangha in social reforms under Rama IV and Rama V
The paper analyzes the role of the Buddhist Sangha in the process of social reform and modernization of Thailand under Rama IV and Rama V. Facing Western colonial pressure, Buddhism was not only the subject of reform but also became an important social instrument that reinforced royal authority and safeguarded national identity. Rama IV, with 27 years of monastic life, founded the Dhammayutika Nikaya to standardize the Vinaya, enhance scholarship, and eliminate superstition, thereby shaping a disciplined Sangha capable of adapting to reform requirements. Building on this foundation, Rama V promulgated the Sangha Act of 1902, placing the Sangha under state administration, developing Buddhist education, and promoting the use of Thai and Pali scripts, which contributed to raising public literacy. As a result, the Sangha both preserved traditional values and accompanied the state in social reforms, becoming a soft power force that supported modernization and the defense of national independence.
B.R. Ambedkar: From the struggle against the caste system to the Buddhist revivalist movement in 20th-century India
Through a historical approach and secondary documents analysis, the paper shows that, B.R. Ambedkar was one of the famous social reformers of India in the 20th century and made many great contributions to the struggle against caste discrimination and the building of a new society of equality between classes and castes. On the journey of fighting against caste discrimination, B.R. Ambedkar found in Buddhism the teachings that were suitable for his goals, so he abandoned Hinduism, followed Buddhism and became a true missionary, contributing to the revival of Buddhism its homeland after a long period of oblivion. B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions to the fight against caste discrimination, the Buddhist revival movement have made him one of the great Indian personalities.
Development of solar energy in Pakistan: Current status and prospects to 2030
In the context of a global shift toward renewable energy to address climate change and ensure energy security, Pakistan has emerged as one of the South Asian countries with great potential for solar energy development. This paper analyzes the background, current situation, and challenges of solar energy development in Pakistan, while also forecasting prospects through 2030. The findings indicate that Pakistan is gradually transforming its energy structure toward a greener and more sustainable model, based on its abundant solar resources, the government’s strategic direction and policies, and the growing demand for energy among its population. Pakistan has become one of the fastest-growing countries in terms of total installed solar energy capacity worldwide and is aiming to achieve 30% of its total energy mix and 60% of its power generation capacity from renewable sources, primarily solar energy, by 2030.
Characteristics of India’s local governance model after The Constitutional Amendments in 1992
Local governance plays an important role in ensuring effective state management and promoting grassroots democracy. In India, since independence in 1947, the political system has shifted towards building a modern local government system. In 1992, India adopted the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments thereby establishing a three-tier local governance model in rural and urban areas. Based on the synthesis and analysis of secondary sources, this paper analyzes some notable features of the Indian local governance model from 1992 to date. The paper asserts that the Indian local governance model has the following notable features: strong legal and institutional base; variations among states; and dependence of financial and human resources on the higher levels of government.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement: Context, content and impacts
On September 17th, 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, marking a critical milestone in strengthening relations between the two countries. The event has attracted significant international attention because it not only demonstrates a trend of nations seeking new security assurances amid unpredictable shifts in the global and regional landscape, but it could also reshape the security architecture in South Asia and the Middle East. The paper analyzes the Pakistan - Saudi Arabia agreement from the perspectives of its context, motivation, content, and its impacts on international relations. The paper points out that, the agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reflects the trend of seeking new security guarantees through strengthening military power and collective defense, including the use of nuclear deterrence, which is likely to lead to changes in the security environment of South Asia and the Middle East.
Colonialism and its consequences for economic development in Africa
This article focuses on clarifying the origins, characteristics, and development process of colonialism in Africa, while also analyzing the socio-economic consequences that this legacy has left for countries in their post-independence periods. The development of colonialism is characterized by three main features: its diversity, pervasiveness, and persistence, affecting all aspects of African life, from territorial divisions and political institutions to single-sector economic structures. As a result, post-independence African nations still face economic dependence, political instability, and challenges in their modernization efforts. The article concludes that, to achieve sustainable development, Africa needs to gradually overcome its colonial legacy, build a self-reliant economy, and establish an independent development order.
Taiwan (China)’s experience in accessing the Halal food market and suggestions for Vietnam
Although the Muslim population accounts for a very small proportion, Taiwan (China) has recently been consistently ranked in the list of the world's top Muslim-friendly tourist destinations outside the OIC. Because it has focused on developing the domestic market and exporting Halal food as one of the strategies for economic development and international integration. The article uses methods of qualitative research and case study to analyze and evaluate the Taiwan’s (China) experience of accessing Halal food market. The study shows that from the government, associations to enterprises in Taiwan (China), all are very much interested in developing Halal food through policy making, ensuring integrity and international recognition, developing direct and online promotion channels as well as actively participating in Halal food fairs and exhibitions, and these are good reference lessons for Vietnam.
The Philippines’ legal stance toward China in the East Sea (2016 - 2024)
This article examines the Philippines’ legal stance toward China in the East Sea (South China Sea) dispute from 2016 to 2024, focusing on comparing this approach under the two presidencies: Rodrigo Duterte and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Following the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling, the Philippines had an opportunity to consolidate its sovereignty stance, yet faced significant challenges in implementing and safeguarding its legal rights. While Duterte pursued a cautious and relatively passive approach, Marcos Jr. has shown a tendency to restore and enhance the legitimacy of the Philippines’ legal stance through international advocacy and the consolidation of domestic social consensus.
HUỲNH TÂM SÁNG, NGUYỄN VÕ HOÀI AN, LÊ THỤC ANH, NGUYỄN HOÀNG GIA HÂN
The evolution of the Avatāra notion in the Indic traditional culture
This paper aims at clarifying the formation, evolution, variation and expansion of the Avatāra notion in Indic traditional culture, from the Vedic period to later philosophical and religious traditions such as Vaisnavism, Saivism and Mahayana Buddhism. Based on methods of analysis, synthesis and text survey, the paper demonstrates that the concept of Avatāra is not only a theological phenomenon, but also a manifestation of the dynamism in Indic religious traditions, illustrating the adaptability and reshaping of religious thought across different ages and social contexts
Contributions of Nepalese diaspora to the national development
Compared to other South Asian countries, Nepal is a modest country in terms of economic activity. However, in recent years, this country has witnessed remarkable development, largely due to the efforts of the Nepalese community abroad. Despite being far from home, they have been contributing to the development of Nepal in many forms such as remittances, people-to-people connection, cultural values promotion,... The increase in the remittance inflow is the result of a process of migration abroad to find jobs of the Nepalese workers. Through data and policy analysis of Nepalese government and international organizations, this study clarifies the role of Nepalese diaspora in the development of the country and the government's policies towards Nepalese diaspora.
The soft-balancing strategy in Nepal’s foreign policy
This paper examines Nepal’s soft-balancing (hedging) foreign-policy within the competitive triangle of India - China - the United States, using Kuik’s (2021) three-attribute framework: (i) eschewing rigid alignments, (ii) pursuing seemingly contradictory measures to manage risk, and (iii) inclusive diversification for fallback options. The findings indicate that Nepal does not bandwagon with any side yet engages multi-directionally: it refrains from military alliances while maintaining defense cooperation with all three major powers and participating in multiple regional economic development initiatives. This approach generates a flexible strategy, enabling Nepal to leverage its buffer position between India and China to safeguard strategic autonomy, reduce dependency, and promote stability and development.
Challenges for Indian migrant workers in the Gulf region: current situation and responses
India currently has the largest diaspora population in the world, with migrant workers in the Gulf countries accounting for a significant proportion. Since the 1970s, this migration flow has expanded rapidly alongside the oil-driven economic boom in the Gulf, contributing substantially to India’s remittances and national development. However, Indian migrant workers continue to face numerous challenges, including harsh working conditions, limited legal protection, and structural inequalities in labor systems. This article indicates that, in order to protect the rights of overseas workers, the Government of India has implemented various measures such as improving migration laws, establishing welfare mechanisms, and strengthening cooperation with destination countries. The findings show that, although the protection system has been reinforced, ensuring social security for Indian workers in the Gulf region remains limited due to institutional differences and asymmetric power relations between the sending and receiving countries.
Preliminary observations on indigenous language preservation policies in Africa
The article presents some preliminary reflections on the institutionalization process of indigenous language preservation policies in Africa from 2000 to the present within a postcolonial context. Drawing on postcolonial sociolinguistic theory and the perspective of “multilingualism for development,” the study analyzes the paradigm shift from viewing indigenous languages as obstacles to modernization to recognizing multilingualism as a vital resource for development and epistemic justice. Using a comparative policy analysis approach, the article demonstrates that African language policy has evolved from a symbolic phase (2000 - 2010) to one of substantive institutionalization (2010 - present), characterized by the expansion of multilingual education, technological innovation, and community participation. Nevertheless, this process remains constrained by linguistic hierarchies and institutional limitations. The article underscores the crucial interconnection among the state, academia, technology, and communities in transforming language preservation into a driver of sustainable development.
Thai Folk Dance in the Northwesten Region and Nghe An: A cultural differentiation journey based on ethnic identity
The paper systematically and deeply investigates the similarities and differences in Thai folk dance traditions across two typical regions of Vietnam: the Northwestern and Nghe An. Using a folkloric and cultural framework, the paper delves into key elements such as performance space, movement structures, costumes, and the role of community participation in dance activities. These aspects contribute to highlighting the intrinsic cultural diversity and dynamics of Thai culture throughout its adaptation and development. Through fieldwork observations, in-depth interviews, and document analysis, the paper affirms the intangible cultural value of Thai folk dance. At the same time, the paper proposes several solutions to preserve and promote this heritage in the context of modern society.