Journal of European and Americas Studies

Khung chỉ số đa tầng cho phân tích tự chủ chiến lược về quốc phòng của Liên minh châu Âu

Nghiêm Tuấn Hùng — 2026-01-12

In the context of increasing geopolitical competition and the need to reduce dependence on major powers, the EU aims to achieve greater autonomy in defense, but there are still no clear metrics to assess progress. Based on the theory of composite indices and the OECD guidelines (2008), this paper constructs a multi-tiered Strategic Defense Autonomy Index (SDAI) framework consisting of three tiers: (1) composite index; (2) four main pillars; (3) detailed indicators, to measure the level of strategic defense autonomy of the European Union (EU). Despite its limitations due to a lack of publicly available defense data and the complexity of the concept, in the future, comprehensive data updates and sensitivity testing with different weightings will help SDAI become a benchmark tool for assessing the EU's defense autonomy.

Theoretical foundations of coalition - building mechanisms in international relations

Nguyễn Thị Như Quỳnh — 2026-01-12

The article develops a theoretical foundation for studying alignment mechanisms in contemporary international relations. It first clarifies and distinguishes three core concepts - “mechanism”, “alignment” and “alignment mechanism”- thereby defining alignment as a process of coordinating policies, resources and actions, while alignment mechanisms are the organizational and operational arrangements of that process. Drawing on Realist, Liberal and Constructivist approaches, the article explains the causes and conditions of alignment, combining threat perception, common interests, international institutions, strategic identity and elite perceptions. It then identifies four basic forms of alignment mechanisms - alliances, coalitions, linkages and strategic partnerships - placing them on a continuum of bindingness, institutionalization and commitment. Finally, the article analyses how alignment mechanisms affect state behavior, regional power structures, deterrence and risk management capacities, as well as soft power and strategic identity, thereby underscoring the central role of alignment in contemporary policy-making and in shaping regional and global order.

Strategic cooperation and competition in US - EU relations (2022-2024)

Võ Hải Minh — 2026-01-12

This article analyzes the transformation of US-EU relations from a traditional security alliance model to a state of "cooperation and competition" during the period 2022-2024. Drawing on three lenses - Realism, Institutional Liberalism, and Geoeconomics—this study clarifies how recent geopolitical shocks - the Russia - Ukraine war, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Gaza conflict, and the Red Sea shipping crisis - have both strengthened the axis of security cooperation and deepened the axis of economic and technological competition in transatlantic relations. Based on this, the article points out that the "cooperation and competition" between the US and the EU creates both new opportunities and constraints for middle-sized countries in leveraging competition to attract investment, restructure supply chains, and maintain a balanced, independent, and autonomous foreign policy.

Vietnam - Russia economic cooperation in the new context: Challenges and prospects

Dương Thái Hậu — 2026-01-12

Vietnam and Russia officially established diplomatic relations on January 30^th, 1950. Since then, despite some difficulties and limitations, Vietnam - Russia bilateral relations have developed strongly in many fields. In the economic field, cooperation between the two countries has developed strongly over the past years. However, the Russia - Ukraine conflict since 2022 has negatively impacted this area. The article analyzes the causes leading to this negative trend in recent times, assesses the challenges and prospects in the coming years, and proposes a number of solutions for Vietnam to promote economic cooperation between the two countries to a new level, in line with the spirit of comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Digital Economy of the United States and implications for Vietnam

Nguyễn Thùy Dương — 2026-01-12

Over the past few decades, the world has witnessed a major technological leap marked by a strong shift toward the application of digital technologies across many areas of economic activity. This transformation has driven the development of the digital economy in many countries, especially leading technology nations such as the United States. As a result, the current and future growth of the U.S. economy increasingly depends on the success of its digital economy. The analysis shows that the U.S. digital economy has made significant contributions to the overall national economy by improving labor productivity, expanding job markets, and strengthening long-term competitiveness, with a particular focus on e-commerce, core digital technologies, and artificial intelligence. The article examines the key drivers of the U.S. digital economy as well as major challenges related to cybersecurity, human resources, semiconductor supply chains, and energy for digital infrastructure, thereby drawing several policy implications for Vietnam.

Restructuring Germany’s economy: Challenges and prospects

Trần Thị Khánh Hà — 2026-01-12

The German economy is assessed to be facing serious and systemic structural challenges, including three major issues: the loss of its cheap energy base from Russia; the changing role of China from a strategic trading partner to a technological competitor; the decline in national competitiveness due to outdated infrastructure, slow digitalization, and persistently low investment. The weakening of the German economy is not a short-term cyclical phenomenon, but rather the result of systemic bottlenecks. The article analyzes the long-term structural challenges facing the German economy, while also showing that the prospect of growth recovery exists but requires strong consensus within the political and social systems.

Comparison of Green Agricultural Development Models in Vietnam and Canada (2010-2024)

Phạm Thị Hiếu — 2026-01-12

Based on a comparison of green agricultural development models in Vietnam and Canada from 2010 to 2024, this article shows that both countries have integrated green agricultural goals into their development strategies, but the implementation methods are different. Vietnam has restructured its agricultural sector towards higher value-added products, adopting smart farming models that reduce pollution and increase productivity. Meanwhile, Canada focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, promoting high technology, and supporting farmers in adopting green practices. Thus, Vietnam can leverage experience and technology from Canada, while Canada can learn from Vietnam's adaptation models. In addition, the article also emphasizes the role of international cooperation in developing sustainable green agriculture in Vietnam.

Solutions to Promote Dak Lak’s agricultural exports to the EU market under the implementation of the EVFTA

Đinh Mạnh Tuấn — 2026-01-12

More than five years after the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the European Union (EVFTA) came into effect and was implemented, Vietnam’s agricultural product exports to the EU market have shown a strong upward trend, partly due to the benefits from preferential tariff rates under the EVFTA. In this context, agricultural exports from DakLak province have also achieved positive results, despite the complex fluctuations of the international market. The article analyzes the current situation and assesses the prospects for agricultural exports from DakLak to the EU market under the EVFTA, and proposes several solutions to boost agricultural exports from Dak Lak province to the EU market in the coming years.