| Srl | Item |
| 1 |
ID:
142773
|
|
|
|
|
| Summary/Abstract |
The fortieth anniversary of the rise of communist governments in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia looks different to the Lao compared to how it does for the Vietnamese. 30 April 1975 is undoubtedly a crucial date in Vietnamese history – one that is significant inside and outside of Vietnam. But few people from Laos, either within the country or residing in diaspora communities in the United States, France, Canada, Australia or New Zealand – the main countries where refugees ended up after fleeing across the Mekong River to Thailand from Laos beginning in 1975 – attach much significance to it. However, the year 1975 is another matter altogether. As with Vietnam, the year is important for people from Laos, as 1975 is one of the most significant ‘time markers’ for those on both ends of the political spectrum, including those living inside Laos and outside of the country. It is the same year that Laos dissolved its constitutional monarchy and became the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). But Laos did not “fall to communism” in the same way as South Vietnam and Cambodia. The fall of the governments in both countries occurred decisively on particular dates in 1975 (30 April and 17 April respectively) when communist forces rode triumphantly into Saigon and Phnom Penh.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2 |
ID:
142769
|
|
|
|
|
| Summary/Abstract |
This set of six short papers critically addresses the date of 30 April 2015, which marks the fortieth anniversary of the reunification of Vietnam – or what is often called the “fall of Saigon” in the United States – and the end of the war in Vietnam. This conflict is also called “American” war in Vietnam (chiến tranh chống Mỹ) and the “Second Indochina War” (1965–1975) because it more accurately conveys the war’s impact on the region surrounding Vietnam (and to distinguish it from the First Indochina War (1946–1954)). This collection arose from a panel session at the 2015 Association of American Geographers meeting in Chicago, Illinois, and brings together a mix of senior and junior geographers who work in and on mainland Southeast Asia development issues.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|