Topics for Oral Examination

1. Upon becoming President in January 2009, Barak Obama inherited a financial crisis at home and several American-made disasters abroad. What advice would you give him to restore America’s economic strength and political credibility?

2. In the past year, western economies have been devastated by a financial and economic crisis. What lessons can Asia, and in particular Vietnam, draw from the debacle?

3. Globalization has brought good trade and growth opportunities to many developing countries. Yet, many pundits have been critical. Why would they question globalization?

4. What models of development have been used by Asian countries to achieve a high level of economic growth? What is the best model for Vietnam?

5. Has Vietnam’s accession to the WTO been a great success? What benefits have been derived? Was the price paid too high?

6. The political and economic rise of China has surprised and intimidated the West and also China’s neighbors in Asia. What is there to be fearful of?


7. In the 1980’s, the economies of developing countries in Asia opened their doors to foreign investment and undertook to produce goods for the western markets. What have been the benefits and the drawbacks of these policies?

8. In October 2007, Vietnam was elected to a nonpermanent seat on the Security Council of the United Nations. What opportunities does the membership bring? What contribution can Vietnam make to the world trough the UN?

9. A few years back, terrorism was seen as the greatest threat facing the world. Today, people say it’s food scarcity, water shortage, climate change, etc. What do you say? Why?

10. How is industrialization and urbanization changing the landscape of Vietnam? Is this trend beneficial to the country?