Brian Jeffrey
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Following his election as the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam on August 3, 2024, To Lam, who also serves as President, has rolled out essential initiatives across multiple areas.
He has recently authored three significant documents: “Determined to Build a Strong Party and a Prosperous, Democratic, Fair, and Civilized Vietnam” on August 4; “Digital Transformation – A Key Driver for Developing Production Forces and Perfecting Production Relations for a New Era” on September 2; and “Continuing to Innovate the Party’s Leadership and Governance Methods: An Urgent Requirement of the New Revolutionary Phase” on September 16.
To Lam emphasizes themes such as “new starting point,” “new era,” and “the era of our nation’s rise” in his narratives.
In assessing both the opportunities and challenges present within the country and globally, the Party under To Lam’s leadership has asserted: “Our nation stands at a new historic juncture, a new era, the era of our nation’s rise. There is an urgent call to radically transform leadership styles and elevate governance capabilities to propel our nation forward.”
Alongside this journey into a new era, VietNamNet has initiated the forum “The New Era of the Nation,” designed to gather insights, voices, and suggestions from scholars, intellectuals, and citizens both domestically and internationally regarding the paths for national advancement.
Discussions surrounding a “new starting point,” “new era,” and “the era of our nation’s rise” highlight the aspirations and determination of the Party and state leaders, motivating citizens with fresh awareness and commitment for the coming period.
The New Era
A “new starting point” signifies a crucial turning point, often marked by significant events or shifts in perspective that substantially influence national progress. Historical milestones such as Ngo Quyen’s victory in 938, King Ly Thai To’s capital relocation in 1010, the August Revolution of 1945, the Ho Chi Minh campaign’s success on April 30, 1975, and the Doi Moi policy initiation in 1986 serve as examples.
The term “new era” represents an extensive timeframe, typically spanning decades, characterized by the pursuit of defined goals. The years from 1930 to 1945 highlighted the struggle for independence and reunification, while 1986 to the present has focused on socio-economic reforms and proactive global integration.
Thus, “new era” conveys an upcoming future where current objectives are achieved or nearly realized.
Vietnam has made significant strides over nearly 40 years of reforms, excelling in economic, social, and diplomatic aspects, thus entering a new phase. Consequently, 2021 is seen as a new starting point, as identified by the 13th Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, aiming for status as an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a developed nation by 2045.
This sets the next two decades, from 2021 to 2045, as Vietnam’s rising era, underpinned by solid foundations developed since the early 20th century and post-1975 advancements. The country is now positioned to pursue more ambitious objectives, moving beyond basic foundational goals.
To guide the nation into this era, the Party commits to core values that prioritize a prosperous populace, a robust nation, democracy, justice, and civilization. Following the 11th Party Congress, three strategic priorities emerged: institutions, human resources, and infrastructure, which face challenges regarding their transformative capacities.
Achieving the 2045 vision necessitates strong spiritual underpinnings. Unity and a collective spirit are vital for overcoming obstacles and leveraging the material foundations laid to achieve long-term national ambitions.
Spirit as a Driving Force
Examining historical breakthroughs enables a clear understanding of the spirit’s role — a crucial element that fosters unity, determination, and enables populations to surmount material restrictions and severe challenges.
In the late 18th century, the American people’s fierce desire for independence successfully challenged the might of the British Empire, culminating in their revolutionary success and the birth of a modern state.
In the early 1940s, the Soviet people’s formidable spirit enabled them to resist fascist forces and alter World War II’s trajectory.
East Asia also illustrates this phenomenon; in the late 19th century, Japan’s recognition of national dignity prompted a commitment to reform and national revival, while South Korea, post-war, emerged as a developed nation within decades. Meanwhile, China’s strategy since the late 1970s has been about steadily preparing to realize its “Chinese Dream,” allowing it to compete globally today.
These achievements underscore the significant role of “national spirit,” which develops over time through shared culture, experiences, and history’s challenges and successes.
The national spirit is an intangible concept, felt rather than directly observed, manifesting in various forms throughout history.
A common factor in many nations’ successful breakthroughs is their national spirit’s resurgence, which instills pride and self-regard, forming a strong base and motivating efforts to enhance global recognition.
The National Spirit of Vietnam
Vietnam’s journey of nation-building has cultivated a distinct national spirit defined by strong patriotism, pride, bravery, and relentless commitment to sovereignty. This spirit is exemplified through historical figures like the Trung Sisters, Lady Trieu, Ngo Quyen, Tran Hung Dao, Le Loi, and Quang Trung.
Additionally, this spirit is preserved through expressions of determination, illustrated in Lady Trieu’s fierce declaration to “defy storms, conquer waves, battle invaders, and reclaim our land.”
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Embracing Vietnam’s Indomitable Spirit
Binh Trong’s bold statement, “I would prefer to be a ghost in Vietnam than a ruler in the North,” along with Tran Hung Dao’s legendary proclamation, “If the king wishes to capitulate, then let my head be severed first,” highlights the resilient nature of Vietnam.
In the 20th century, revolutionary heroes who faced imprisonment and gave their lives for honorable causes significantly contributed to this national resilience. President Ho Chi Minh’s enduring remark, “Nothing holds greater value than independence and freedom,” serves as a timeless testament to Vietnam’s determination. Prominent figures such as Tran Phu, Le Hong Phong, Ha Huy Tap, Nguyen Van Cu, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, and Nguyen Thai Hoc, among others, have left lasting legacies. In modern times, former General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s insight that “Honor is the most sacred and noble thing” further encapsulates this persistent spirit.
Historical evidence, both locally and globally, shows that a strong national spirit can drive communities and individuals to rise above self-interest and work together for the greater good. Therefore, Vietnam’s capacity to thrive in a new era is closely tied to our ability to awaken and harness this potent spirit. The challenge is to convert this spiritual energy into a driving force propelling the country towards its 2045 development objectives.
Recognizing the importance of spiritual factors, recent Party Congresses have continually stressed the urgency of fostering “patriotism, national resilience, unity, and the aspiration for a thriving, happy nation.”
Nevertheless, translating these policies into a truly vibrant national spirit requires certain conditions. The crucial element is the collective commitment evident in national objectives, combined with a leadership team that possesses a fervent desire to rejuvenate the nation and elevate its status.
To guide the country into this new era, the Communist Party of Vietnam has made a commendable political promise to the populace: the aspiration to transform Vietnam into a developed nation by the year 2045. This ambitious goal reflects the collective hopes of the majority of the Vietnamese people today.
To truly revive the national spirit, an essential step is for political leaders to remain dedicated and fully committed to the country’s developmental aspirations, transcending conventional thought and behavior.
When leaders thoroughly grasp the country’s interests and consistently align their thoughts, language, and actions, they can effectively transmit and nurture the national spirit among societal groups. This transformative process will enable the nation, both materially and spiritually, to gain momentum toward achieving its development goals.
Nguyen Van Dang
Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy
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