Abstract:
This thesis applies the principles of Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA) and the rational decision-making paradigm of FPA as the framework to analyse and assess the substantive policy issues of the New Zealand government’s decision-making processes towards Vietnam. The salient fact that involvement in the Vietnam War was one of New Zealand’s longest and the most controversial military experience of the twentieth century, sparking widespread public protests. However, from two enemies in the war, New Zealand and Vietnam now become not only friends but also a ‘comprehensive partnership’. In 2005, New Zealand and Vietnam celebrated the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key, once said that the two countries have entered a ‘new era’ in bilateral relations. Recent years have also witnessed a flourishing bilateral cooperation expanding across a variety of fields such as agriculture, education, disaster management, aviation, and defence. New Zealand and Vietnam also plan to advance bilateral relations to the Strategic Partnership in the coming time. This thesis therefore focused on which elements of New Zealand policy decision making are in accordance with the rational decision-making model, which have departed from the rational decision-making model, and why. It will also investigate and evaluate various opportunities, challenges and limitations in the bilateral relationship, as perceived by New Zealand officials and business and non-governmental leaders.