David Dapice
Senior Economist, Vietnam Public Policy Program
Vietnam Public Policy Program
A critical participant in Vietnam’s policy dialogue, informing the country’s ongoing reform process
Established in 1988, the Vietnam Public Policy Program is a recognized leader in the study of Vietnam’s political and economic development. Through a combination of teaching in Vietnam, research, and policy advising, the program is an influential participant in Vietnam’s policy dialogue, informing Vietnam’s ongoing reform process.
Our Approach
Why do so many countries that succeed in escaping poverty subsequently stagnate? How can Vietnam and others avoid this trap? The program doesn’t approach development through the lens of a single discipline. Understanding the challenges confronting Vietnam and clarifying the policy options available to overcome them requires a sophisticated grasp of the rich fabric of contemporary Vietnamese society and the political, economic, and cultural factors that shape it.
Research
The Vietnam Public Policy Program engages with dilemmas that are central to the broader study and practice of development. Improving the governance of public and private institutions is an important part of the economic development equation. Because of the primacy of governance to the challenges confronting Vietnam and other developing countries, the program engages in an ongoing and dynamic interchange with the other initiatives of the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia.
Policy Dialogue
The Vietnam Executive Leadership Program (VELP) provides a forum for an elite cohort of approximately twenty high-ranking policymakers and executives to engage in a weeklong series of structured, research-based discussions about the central policy challenges confronting Vietnam and the world, with prominent international scholars, policy-makers and business leaders. The Vietnamese government’s flagship international executive program for senior leaders, VELP is organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnam Program at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia.
Fulbright University Vietnam Partnership
The Vietnam Program was an integral part in the creation of the Fulbright Economics Teaching Program (FETP) commonly known as the Fulbright School. FETP started as a partnership between the Vietnam Program and the University of Economics-Ho Chi Minh City in 1994. Now known as the Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management, the school has evolved into a leading center of public policy teaching and research offering a Master’s of Public Policy (MPP) — the first degree program of its kind in Vietnam — and executive training programs for senior officials. Today, the school is a part of the emerging Fulbright University Vietnam (FUV), Vietnam’s first independent university not for profit university. The Vietnam Public Policy Program continues to facilitate scholarly exchanges between Harvard, the Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management, and the broader Fulbright University.
Meet the Team
Hien Le
Program Manager, Vietnam Public Policy Program
Thomas Vallely
Senior Advisor, Mainland Southeast Asia
The latest news, resources, and research
Video
Book Talk: Vietnam — Navigating a Rapidly Changing Economy, Society, and Political Order
Book
Vietnam: Navigating a Rapidly Changing Economy, Society, and Political Order
Video
Discussion with the Prime Minister of Vietnam
The Ash Center’s Vietnam Program hosted a discussion with Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Vietnam’s economic development strategy.
Q+A
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework holds value, but it’s unclear if it will counter China’s influence says Senior Economist David Dapice
The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) could be beneficial for member countries, but without a regional trade agreement, a new administration could raise tariffs or otherwise change the terms of trade.
Policy Brief
China’s Role in Promoting Transboundary Resource Management in the Greater Mekong Basin (GMB)
Policy Brief
Vietnam’s Crisis of Success in Electricity: Options for Successful Clean Energy Mix
Feature
Remembering Senator John McCain and his efforts to heal the wounds of the Vietnam War
Remembering John McCain and his role in normalizing relations with Vietnam
Feature
Ensuring the Future of the Lower Mekong Basin
Lower Mekong Public Policy Initiative experts say proactive policies and collaboration can prevent one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world from environmental and economic calamity
Q+A
Vietnam Executive Leadership Program Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Policy Brief
Counting all of the Costs: Choosing the Right Mix of Electricity Sources in Vietnam to 2025
Media Release
President Obama formally announces opening of Fulbright University Vietnam
Feature
Fulbright University Vietnam
Fulbright University Vietnam is an ambitious undertaking to build the country’s first independent, not-for-profit university
Media Release