Abstract
Analyzing the political dynamics of the Indochina conflict the paper emphasizes the growing nationalism of the local actors, the impact of the great power involvement, and the role of economic and strategic interests. Historically, precolonial, colonial, and post-colonial realities meet to mold contemporary fortunes. Current dynamics is towards a protracted conflict with two main interrelated focal points: the China-Vietnam and Vietnam- Kampuchean relations.
A key formula for conflict resolution in Indochina is to be found in a new conceptualiza tion of neutrality related both to the record of the two Indochina wars on the one hand, and the non-alignment current which grew parallely in the Third World on the other. A common policy of neutrality by all three Indochina states stressing autonomy and independence, and recognized by an international treaty, offers substantial political and economic advantages to all local actors as well as the great powers involved.
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