Ethnic Relations in Hmong People’s Buffalo and Cow Trading Activities in the Vietnam - Laos Border Area in Ky Son District, Nghe An Province

Abstract

Under the influence of geographical and socio-economic conditions,
globalization, and the history of ethnic distribution, Hmong people's ethnic relations in
buffalo and cow trading activities have firmly taken place not only inter-ethnically and intra
ethnically, both locally and nationally, but also with some ethnic groups in neighboring
countries. Based on field data, the article examines the ethnic relations of the Hmong people
at the Vietnam-Laos border, Ky Son district, Nghe An province, through intra-regional, inter
regional, and transnational buffalo and cow trading activities. These ethnic relationships
reflect the Hmong's dynamism in livelihood activities and affect the people’s economic life
and security in the border areas.