INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION AS A TOOL OF ACADEMIC DIPLOMACY AND SOFT POWER: INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR VIETNAM

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION AS A TOOL OF ACADEMIC DIPLOMACY AND SOFT POWER: INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR VIETNAM

Nguyen Truong Giang giangntr.ftu@gmail.com Human Academy JSC, Japan 1F, Nishi-Shinjuku Prime Square Building, 7-5-25 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Nguyen Hoang Thao Quynh* ng.hg.thao.quynh@gmail.com The Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences 101 Tran Hung Dao street, Cua Nam ward, Ha Noi, Vietnam
Bui Nguyen Linh Anh anhbui.31231020205@st.ueh.edu.vn University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City 59C Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Xuan Hoa ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Summary: 
In the era of globalization, international cooperation in higher education has become a key instrument of academic diplomacy and national soft power. This study employs a systematic literature review combined with comparative analysis to examine how educational partnerships function as channels for projecting influence and building international credibility. Drawing on policy documents, international reports, and scholarly works, the paper identifies major patterns of collaboration - including joint programs, research partnerships, and academic mobility - and evaluates Vietnam’s position in comparison with China and Singapore. The f indings express that while Vietnam has expanded its cooperation networks and institutional participation, policy–practice gaps and limited university autonomy continue to constrain its international engagement. The paper argues that integrating academic diplomacy into higher education strategy is essential for enhancing Vietnam’s intellectual visibility, improving institutional competitiveness, and strengthening its national soft power in the regional context.
Keywords: 
Academic diplomacy
soft power
higher education
international cooperation
Vietnam.
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