393 - Viet History Makers - Would Democracy Be Good for Vietnam? - Phan Chu Trinh

The Vietnamese with Kenneth Nguyen

Join host Kenneth Nguyen and series co-host Kevin Pham, author of The Architects of Dignity, in this sub-series of the podcast, exploring the key figures and moments in Vietnamese history.

In this episode of Viet History Makers, we ask, "Would Democracy Be Good for Vietnam?" We turn our focus to Phan Chu Trinh, one of Vietnam's most influential thinkers and reformers, whose vision for democracy and national modernization continues to resonate. A tireless advocate for social change, Phan Chu Trinh sought to reinterpret Vietnam’s Confucian heritage in light of democratic ideals, offering a bold blueprint for political and cultural renewal in the early 20th century.

Join us as we trace his journey from a scholar steeped in traditional values to a revolutionary voice for progress. We'll explore how he challenged colonial oppression, critiqued monarchy, and envisioned a future where democracy and Confucian principles could coexist. If you’re curious about the philosophical underpinnings of Vietnam’s modern history, the intersections of tradition and reform, or the life of a leader who dared to dream beyond his time, this episode dives deep into the legacy of a man who reshaped the intellectual landscape of his nation.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts.

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024).

Kevindoanpham.com

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

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