Another view of the “Closed-door policy” of the Nguyen Dynasty (Vietnam) with Western countries (1802 – 1858)
Authors: Tran Xuan Hiep, Tran Dinh Hung, Nguyen Tuan Binh, Nguyen Anh Chuong, Tran Thai Bao
Xã hội và nhân văn
: 1/8 : 1-10
Publishing year: 8/2021
The Nguyen Dynasty was the last monarchy in Vietnamese history, established after Nguyen Anh ascended the throne in 1802 and ended when Bao Dai abdicated in 1945, a total of 143 years. Stemming from the sense of protecting the throne of the feudal regime associated with the protection of national security, the Nguyen kings implemented foreign policy in a complicated historical context, especially was in the face of the growing pressure of Western colonialism. As a result , The Nguyen Kings had a “difficult problem” with behavioral culture and foreign policies with Western countries, particularly France, leading to implementing an “unclear” and “inconsistent” foreign pocily. This article presents a different perspective on the Nguyen Dynasty's relations with Western countries during the period of independence and self-control (1802-1858). Accordingly, the author look at the Nguyen Dynasty’s Diplomatic relations to the West in the view of the development, with the approach: From Limited access policy (under reigns of King Gia Long and King Minh Mang) to Anti-access policy (under reigns of King Thieu Tri and King Tu Duc). From there, it shows a different view of the contact process between Eastern and Western civilizations, specifically between Vietnam and other countries, such as France, Britain, and America in the Modern period.
Nguyen Dynasty, limited access, Anti-access, “Closed-door”