The scientific exchange between DAV and Johns Hopkins University on the topic: "Indo-Pacific: Mapping current geopolitical and geoeconomic changes"

On April 7, 2026, at the Berlin Conference Room, the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Institute (KAS) Vietnam, organised a scientific exchange and discussion on the topic “Indo-Pacific: Mapping Current Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Changes”.

The exchange was co-chaired by Dr. Nguyen Thi Thin, Vice President of DAV, and Mr. Lewe Paul, Head of the KAS Representative Office in Vietnam. The seminar was also attended by lecturers, researchers, and a large number of students and graduate students from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and Johns Hopkins University (USA).

In their opening remarks, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thin and Mr. Lewe Paul emphasized the importance of understanding the factors contributing to the reshaping of the Indo-Pacific region. The collaboration between the two institutions in organizing this exchange affirms their shared commitment to promoting academic dialogue and raising awareness of contemporary international issues among students, lecturers, and young researchers.

In the first discussion session themed "Assessing the Current Situation in the Indo-Pacific Region," professors from Johns Hopkins University presented their assessments from the perspectives of two major actors in international relations. With the presentation "US Indo-Pacific Strategy under Trump 2.0," Professor David Arase provided a comprehensive overview of the history of geopolitical doctrines and approaches worldwide, clarifying the current adjustments in US policy toward the Indo-Pacific region. Following this, Professor Hanns Maull further clarified the perspective of the European Union (EU) on regional developments.

The second session included presentations from faculty and postgraduate students of the Diplomatic Academy and an open discussion for all attendees, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Anh Tuan, Acting Dean of the Faculty of International Politics and Diplomacy (FIPAD). During the discussion, two PhD candidates in International Relations of DAV, who are also lecturers of FIPAD, presented on the following topics: (i) The global and regional situation; (ii) Vietnam's foreign policy. With the presentation titled "Reconfiguring the International Order: Great Power Rivalry, Strategic Alignments, and the Rise of Middle Powers", MA. Pham Hoang Son clearly analyzed the major trends in current international relations and their impact on the regional landscape. MA. To Hai Dang, with thepresentation titled "The Overview of Vietnam’s Foreign Policy", clarified the major viewpoints and principles in Vietnam’s foreign policy to adapt to changes in the global and regional situation and domestic conditions.

During the open discussion session, students and graduate students from the DAV and Johns Hopkins University asked many insightful questions, creating a lively academic exchange. Notably, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Anh Tuan directly answered many questions from the Johns Hopkins student group, thereby helping them better understand the interaction between major powers and the role of middle powers in the region, especially Vietnam’s perspective on regional issues.

Concluding the seminar, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thin, Vice President of DAV, affirmed that this is just the beginning of professional exchanges between the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thin also expressed her desire to make this exchange a regular annual event between the two universities, contributing to diversifying and improving the quality of training activities of both sides.

Some photos from the events: