Journal of Tradition and Development - Special issue: Resources and Development

Vietnam’s policies on offshore green energy development toward Net-Zero goals

Following Vietnam's commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 at COP26, the country has identified offshore renewable energy development, particularly offshore wind power, as a critical pillar of its energy transition strategy. This paper analyzes the policy framework governing this sector, encompassing strategic orientations, master planning, and sector-specific policies. The study acknowledges initial achievements in establishing a relatively coherent policy architecture that demonstrates a paradigm shift toward green growth and sets forth ambitious quantitative targets. However, implementation faces significant challenges: an incomplete legal framework, particularly regarding marine spatial allocation; risks of marine spatial conflicts; legal uncertainties and institutional disruptions during the early phase of institutional reform; and limited implementation capacity. The paper proposes policy recommendations aimed at addressing these bottlenecks and strengthening the policy framework to facilitate the realization of Net Zero objectives within the evolving institutional context.

U.S. policy in the East Sea - From the Obama administration to the Trump administration and its implications for Vietnam

The East Sea occupies a critical strategic position in the regional security architecture and in major-power competition, particularly in the context of the Indo - Pacific strategy and intensifying U.S - China rivalry. This article analyzes the evolution of U.S. policy toward the East Sea under the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations, and outlines possible trajectories under a second Trump administration, drawing on qualitative analysis and comparison of official documents and academic studies. The findings indicate that U.S. strategic objectives have remained broadly consistent - maintaining freedom of navigation, constraining China’s influence, and upholding a rules-based order - while approaches and instruments of implementation have varied significantly across administrations. On that basis, the article identifies key opportunities and challenges for Viet Nam in managing its relations with the United States on East Sea issues and proposes several policy implications.

The application of artificial intelligence in waste management and treatment technologies

Amid the global waste crisis that poses serious threats to the environment and public health, and given the limitations of conventional waste-treatment methods, artificial intelligence and machine learning have emerged as breakthrough solutions for sustainable waste management. AI has demonstrated outstanding effectiveness, improving wastewater treatment efficiency by 30% and reducing costs by 25% through real time prediction and quality control. In solid-waste management, AI-enabled robots combined with computer vision achieve classification accuracies of over 95%, thereby enhancing recycling and resource recovery. IoT applications, such as smart bins and optimized collection route systems, significantly reduce carbon emissions and operational costs. However, global implementation still faces multiple barriers, including lack of data standardization, limited financial capacity in developing countries, and shortages of skilled personnel. To fully realize the potential of these technologies, coordinated efforts are required: governments must establish international standards, enterprises need to invest in green technologies, and universities should train a qualified workforce - thus positioning AI as a key foundation for sustainable waste treatment and the circular economy.

Low-income cancer patients and the burdens of treatment: A case study at K Hospital – Tan Trieu facility

This study examines the burdens faced by low-income cancer patients during treatment at K Hospital, Tân Triều branch (Hanoi). Using a mixed-method approach combining quantitative surveys and in-depth interviews, the findings reveal that patients experience significant financial pressure, poor living conditions, and prolonged psychological distress. The study recommends expanding financial support, improving accommodation, and strengthening psychosocial care to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients.

China’s experience in sustainable agricultural development and lessons for Vietnam

This paper synthesizes and analyzes China’s experience in developing sustainable agriculture, with particular emphasis on circular agriculture models, climate change adaptive smart agriculture, and the application of information technology in agricultural production. It further examines the roles of key stakeholders including the state, enterprises, scientific institutions, and farmers in establishing effective operational mechanisms for agricultural transformation. The findings indicate that the success of China’s agricultural development stems from the combination of a coherent policy framework, scientific and technological innovation, and the extensive participation of the private sector. Based on these analyses, the article proposes several lessons for Vietnam, highlighting the need to improve institutional mechanisms, strengthen public private partnerships, expand sustainable product models, and enhance the implementation capacity of actors across the agricultural value chain.

The cocoon-snatching custom of Di Nau village: Spiritual therapy and reproductive aspirations in contemporary society

The “Cuop ken” ritual, practiced during the village festival of Di Nau (now Tho Van commune, Phu Tho province), is a distinctive manifestation of fertility belief, expressing the deep-rooted agricultural desire for reproduction and prosperity. From the perspective of folklore studies combined with socio-psychological approaches, this article explores the function of this ritual as a form of spiritual and psychological therapy in the contemporary context. In today’s society, where individuals and communities face increasing pressure related to childbirth, spiritual disorientation, and crises of faith, the ritual through its symbolic use of reproductive organs, ceremonial teachings, and collective enactments not only preserves traditional cultural identity but also contributes to psychological relief, emotional renewal, and community cohesion. The article also advocates for the safeguarding and promotion of this ritual as a culturally rooted therapeutic practice for fertility, as well as a means of cultural education and sustainable spiritual tourism development. Ultimately, it argues that the “Cuop ken” ritual should be recognized not merely as a folk tradition, but as a valuable cultural response to modern mental health challenges.

Social work in addressing social issues in Vietnam

Social work is a specialized profession that plays a crucial role in addressing social issues and improving community well-being. This article provides a theoretical overview of social work, including ecological theory, community-based practice, and human rights approaches, clarifying the role of social work in supporting and intervening with individuals, groups, and communities. The paper also analyzes practical social work activities in Vietnam based on reports, research, and state policies, focusing on community intervention models, child protection programs, sustainable poverty reduction, and support for persons with disabilities. Findings indicate that social work enhances individual capacities, reduces social risks, promotes equality, and supports organizations and authorities in achieving sustainable development goals.

Struggling with the self: Applying Ho Chi Minh’s ideology to overcome the limitations of individualism

The article emphasizes the importance of studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s thought in order to overcome individualism one of the greatest challenges in modern society. In the era of integration and digital transformation, individualism is increasingly reinforced by the influence of social networks, consumerism, and a fast-paced lifestyle. President Ho Chi Minh regarded individualism as an “internal enemy” and stressed that the most difficult struggle is the struggle against oneself. To overcome individualism, each person should engage in daily self-reflection and self-correction, devote themselves to the collective interest rather than personal gain especially cadres and Party members use social networks in a civilized manner, and foster a healthy living environment. This underlines that the fight against individualism is both necessary and urgent for building a just, civilized, and sustainable society. Each individual, particularly the younger generation, must follow Uncle Ho’s example through the simplest actions in order to live righteously, beautifully, and usefully.

Cultural development and the creation of new driving forces for economic growth

Cultural development is a strategic task in the process of national construction and development. The 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam affirmed: “Developing well-rounded human beings and building an advanced Vietnamese culture deeply imbued with national identity, so that culture truly becomes an endogenous strength and a driving force for national development and defense”. Thus, culture is not only the spiritual foundation of society but also a new resource and driving force for economic growth, creating high added value and enhancing national competitiveness. It contributes to realizing the aspiration for a prosperous and happy nation. This article focuses on analyzing the theoretical and practical foundations of the relationship between culture and economic growth, clarifying the views of the Communist Party of Vietnam on the role of culture as a driving force in socio-economic development. Based on this analysis, the article proposes several tasks and solutions to promote the role of culture as a new driver of Vietnam’s economic growth in the current period, thereby contributing to ensuring harmony between material growth and human development, and between economic efficiency and social progress.

The participation of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth union in preserving and promoting traditional culture in the context of digital transformation

In the digital transformation context, enhancing the role of organizations and the power of youth in participating in the preservation and promotion of national cultural values is necessary and emphasized for the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union organization. Using a questionnaire survey method with 650 respondents consisting of youth and Youth Union officials in Ha Noi, Bac Ninh, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City during May 2024, this article focuses on examining the Youth Union's activities in participating in the preservation and promotion of traditional culture in the context of digital transformation, thereby offering recommendations to further enhance the Youth Union's role in the coming period.

Building a contingent of political officers in the Vietnam people’s Army who are proactive in digital transformation to meet new task requirements

Digital transformation is generating profound impacts on socio-political life, particularly in the domains of political-ideological education and ideological management within the military. The development of the political officer corps in the Vietnam People's Army has become critically imperative to maintain the revolutionary essence and ideological foundation of the Party within the armed forces. Digital transformation has facilitated numerous positive developments among political officers in the Vietnam People's Army regarding political resolve, ethical standards, theoretical competency, and ideological management capacity. However, it has also presented new challenges, including: limited technological capabilities, insufficient skills in ideological management within cyberspace, and inflexible political education methodologies for the younger generation of military personnel. This article proposes systematic solutions aimed at strengthening digital competency training, cultivating online ideological governance skills, implementing artificial intelligence applications, and improving information technology systems to meet emerging operational requirements for the political officer corps in the Vietnam People's Army.

Juvenile crime in contemporary Vietnam: Current situation, causes, and preventive solutions

Than Trung Dung

In the current context of international integration, the issue of juvenile delinquency in Vietnam has exhibited increasingly complex dynamics: not only escalating in quantitative terms but also demonstrating trends toward greater complexity in modus operandi, methodologies, and severity of offenses. This situation presents significant challenges to the educational system, family structures, legal frameworks, and social institutions in their efforts to comprehensively protect, educate, and foster the development of adolescents. Drawing upon official and secondary statistical data, this article identifies the multidimensional causal factors contributing to criminal behavior among minors, encompassing familial influences, school environment, social milieu, and the psycho-physiological characteristics of juveniles. Subsequently, the author proposes a comprehensive system of interventions aimed at enhancing the efficacy of juvenile crime prevention and control measures under contemporary conditions of social development.