A non-resident research fellow of the US-Vietnam Research Center at the University of Oregon, Dr. Ha Phuong Vu is a political researcher and geopolitical strategist whose work bridges advanced academic theory with policy implementation. Holding a PhD in Political Science (International Relations and Political Science) from the University of Otago, her scholarly background includes designing and delivering university courses on ASEAN security architecture and Comparative Politics. She has also served as a guest speaker for graduate classes at institutions such as the University of Otago and the U.S. National War College. She has also provided expert political consultancy for various diplomatic groups. Her commentary has been published in outlets such as The Diplomat and featured on the Foreign Policy Talks Podcast.
Dr. Vu's practical expertise is shaped by her tenure as a Political Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, a Program Manager for the United States Institute of Peace, and a media practitioner. In these roles, she conducted analysis across a wide range of complex areas, including Vietnam’s domestic politics, multilateral relations, particularly its security dynamics with China and the U.S. She translated geopolitical research into
strategic advice, and effectively leveraged the research-to-practice pipeline by using independent research and civil society engagement to broaden program scope and establish high-level partnerships
