Vietnam is a Southeast Asian nation that has developed significant internal capacity over extended periods. Recent discussions highlight its history in comparison to American influence and efforts to replicate Western systems.

“We tried turning Afghanistan into America. That didn't work. We tried turning Vietnam into America. That didn't work. We tried turning Iraq into America. That didn't work.”

“Thailand, Vietnam over extended periods of years and built up their capacity. Brazil, countries that have very very well functioning systems right now and their dependency on external donors is very low.”