Another view of the “Closed-door policy” of the Nguyen Dynasty (Vietnam) with Western countries (1802 – 1858)

Abstract

The Nguyen Dynasty was the last monarchy in Vietnamese history, established after Nguyen Anh ascended the throne in 1802 and ended when Bao Dai abdicated in 1945, a total of 143 years. Stemming from the sense of protecting the throne of the feudal regime associated with the protection of national security, the Nguyen kings implemented foreign policy in a complicated historical context, especially was in the face of the growing pressure of Western colonialism. As a result , The Nguyen Kings had a “difficult problem” with behavioral culture and foreign policies with Western countries, particularly France, leading to implementing an “unclear” and “inconsistent” foreign pocily. This article presents a different perspective on the Nguyen Dynasty's relations with Western countries during the period of independence and self-control (1802-1858). Accordingly, the author look at the Nguyen Dynasty’s Diplomatic relations to the West in the view of the development, with the approach: From Limited access policy (under reigns of King Gia Long and King Minh Mang) to Anti-access policy (under reigns of King Thieu Tri and King Tu Duc). From there, it shows a different view of the contact process between Eastern and Western civilizations, specifically between Vietnam and other countries, such as France, Britain, and America in the Modern period.

Keywords

• nguyen dynasty
• limited access
• anti-access
• “closed-door”