Vietnam in 1980

As Vietnam enters the decade of the 1980s, the country continues to be hamstrung, with no sign of relief, by internal social and economic malaise and international isolation. Within the country, all efforts at reconstructing the war-battered society have been throttled by inadequate production, poor distribution and mismanagement. Inclement weather, too, has added to the many difficulties. Severe cold and drought at the end of 1979, followed by three successive floods in the second half of this year, eroded once more the country's hopes of achieving food self-sufficiency. On the international scene, Vietnam remains an object of boycott by the world community, with the exception of the Soviet Union and the East European bloc, over the Kampuchean issue. Meanwhile, the Chinese threat of another attack is still a possibility. Yet, judging from official pro nouncements and action, the country appears to be undaunted. Vietnam's leaders continue to express commitment to and confidence in the ongoing socialist construc tion. At the same time, they are equally adamant in forming a strong alliance with neighbouring Laos and Kampuchea. These are the two overriding objectives which continue to shape Vietnam's domestic and foreign policy goals

Biology · Isolation (microbiology · Political science · Cambodian History and Society · Vietnamese History and Culture Studies · Microbiology