By Khanh Vu Duc*

HAVANA TIMES – If Marco Rubio becomes Secretary of State in a Trump 2.0 administration, he will inherit a world grappling with authoritarian resurgence, economic instability, and geopolitical rivalry. Nowhere are these challenges more evident than in Vietnam and Cuba—two enduring communist regimes that, while diverging in development trajectories, share a resistance to democratic governance. Rubio, a staunch advocate of democracy and human rights, faces a daunting question: can he inspire change in both nations without destabilizing them?

The answer is yes—but only with a pragmatic approach that balances principled advocacy for human rights with a strategic understanding of geopolitical realities.

Vietnam: The Geopolitical Keystone

Vietnam stands as a paradox. Its economic success, driven by market reforms and global integration since the “Đổi Mới” policy of 1986, is undeniable. It is now a critical player in global supply chains and a key U.S. partner in counterbalancing China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. Yet its political system remains rigid, with limited tolerance for dissent and a poor record on civil liberties.

Rubio must address this duality head-on. U.S. policymakers often overlook Vietnam’s strategic importance, focusing narrowly on its economic reforms or its role in the U.S.-China rivalry. But for Vietnam to achieve true stability and prosperity, it must embrace political reforms. A freer society would unlock its full potential, enabling innovation and entrepreneurship while fostering trust in governance.

However, pushing too hard risks alienating Hanoi and driving it closer to Beijing. Vietnam’s leaders remain deeply wary of foreign interference, shaped by a history of resistance........

© Havana Times