Religious Affairs of the Border Guard in Vietnam’s Land Border Areas: Realities, Challenges, and Policy Recommendations

Abstract

In recent years, religious life in Vietnam’s land border areas has become increasingly dynamic, marked by the emergence of new religious organizations, communities, and phenomena. At the same time, the exploitation of religion for political subversion or personal gain has posed considerable difficulties and challenges to state management of religious activities. The Border Guard is primarily tasked with managing and safeguarding the national border, maintaining political security, and ensuring social order and safety in border areas. Adopting a multi- and interdisciplinary approach combined with document analysis based on data collected during field surveys in 2024 and 2025, this study provides an overview of religious developments in Vietnam’s land border areas; analyzes and evaluates the role of the Border Guard in religious affairs in these regions; identifies emerging challenges; and proposes several policy recommendations.