Benedict J. Kerkvliet

"Investigates how public political criticism has evolved into a prominent feature of Vietnam's political landscape since the mid 1990s and how state authorities have dealt with it with a combination of responsiveness, toleration, and repression"--

Since the mid-1980s, Vietnam has experienced remarkable economic, political, and social change. This is the first study in English to focus on the impact of economic liberalization in the countryside - where nearly 80 per cent of Vietnam's people live and much of its economic production occurs. The contributors note that despite significant improvements in real income for most rural Vietnamese, poverty is still pronounced and socio-economic inequality appears to be growing. The poorest now appear to have less access to educational and health services. Environmental conditions also pose significant problems. Highlighting the dynamic political scene in Vietnam, the contributors also consider the interplay between national policymaking and local pressures and activity.