U.S. Foreign Aid to Vietnam: A Fifty-Year Historical Analysis (1975 - 2025).

This paper explores the 50-year evolution of U.S. foreign aid to Vietnam following the Vietnam War, from initial humanitarian relief to economic and technical assistance. It examines the impact of diplomatic normalization in 1995 and the 2025 cessation of USAID activities. Through analysis of primary documents, scholarly literature, and media reports, the paper critically assesses the influence of U.S. aid on Vietnam's reconstruction, economic modernization, and governance reforms, while considering the strategic and diplomatic underpinnings of the bilateral relationship. The research illuminates how aid modalities adapt to changing political climates and developmental needs, and highlights the role of soft power in major power competition.