Patriotism and national spirit in Ho Chi Minh’s foreign policy thought

This article provides an in-depth analysis of Ho Chi Minh’s foreign policy thought, emphasizing the central role of patriotism and the national spirit in shaping and developing his diplomatic strategy. While firmly committed to the ideals of proletarian internationalism and Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh consistently placed national interests as the top priority, considering them the guiding principle of foreign affairs. The paper outlines Ho Chi Minh’s flexible application of patriotic thought across three key periods: his early years abroad, his leadership of the struggle for national independence, and the resistance against the United States. The author highlights how Ho Chi Minh harmoniously combined genuine nationalism with internationalism, Marxist theory with pragmatic political principles, and class interests with national interests. His foreign policy thought is recognized as a synthesis of scientific reasoning, revolutionary spirit, and practical value-providing a lasting ideological foundation for Vietnam’s contemporary foreign policy.