Tuan Hiep TRAN

The world is entering a new era of great-power competition, with the United States and China locked in a contest over global influence. This is not just about trade wars or military tensions—it is a deeper struggle over the shape of the international order. Will the 21st century continue to be defined by U.S. leadership, or will China’s growing economic and political clout create a new global structure? Rush Doshi’s The Long Game: China’s Grand Strategy to Displace American Order provides a compelling framework to understand Beijing’s long-term ambitions. He argues that China has carefully planned its rise in three phases : first, quietly building strength; then, gradually reducing U.S. influence; and now, actively shaping a China-centered global system. For Vietnam, a country historically positioned between major powers, this evolving landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. As an emerging economy with deep ties to both China and the U.S., Vietnam must navigate this de...

 💡 “Investing is simple, but not easy.” This paradox sits at the heart of The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle , the legendary founder of Vanguard and the pioneer of index fund investing . In a world where financial news bombards us with stock market predictions, cryptocurrency hype, and hedge fund strategies, Bogle’s approach is refreshingly simple : own the entire stock market through low-cost index funds, avoid speculation, and stay invested for the long term . This strategy, though seemingly boring, has outperformed the vast majority of professional investors over decades. With 2025’s market turbulence— tech stock volatility, rising inflation, and geopolitical uncertainty —Bogle’s principles are more valuable than ever.  Let’s break down the key lessons from the book , why they work, and how you can apply them to build long-term wealth. 📌 Why Most Investors Fail: The Illusion of Market-Beating Strategies 🚨 The financial industry sells t...

In The Third Revolution: Xi Jinping and the New Chinese State , Elizabeth C. Economy presents a comprehensive analysis of how China, under President Xi Jinping, has embarked on a profound transformation. Unlike previous leaders such as former Chairman Mao Zedong and former President Deng Xiaoping, who each guided the country through distinct phases of development, President Xi Jinping has introduced a model that emphasizes strong centralization, reinforced political unity, and a renewed global vision. This shift raises key questions: Can this model sustain China’s continued growth and influence, or will internal and external challenges necessitate adjustments? How does this trajectory compare to other nations, such as Vietnam, which follows a different approach to balancing governance and economic development? A Departure from Deng Xiaoping’s Model For decades, China’s rapid economic expansion was built on former President Deng Xiaoping’s vision of “reform and opening-up.” This po...

Few figures in modern history have commanded as much attention, controversy, and influence as Donald J. Trump. Whether one admires him or criticizes him, there is no denying that he understands negotiation, branding, and power. His 1987 book, Trump: The Art of the Deal , is not just an autobiography but a business strategy manual that reveals his mindset—how he structures deals, creates leverage, and uses publicity to his advantage. Now, in 2025, as Trump serves his second, non-consecutive term as President of the United States, his strategies from The Art of the Deal remain highly relevant. His involvement in the Russia-Ukraine peace talks , his ability to dominate media narratives , and his approach to handling negotiations on the global stage all reflect the principles outlined in his book. The lessons he shares, whether applied in business or politics, provide valuable insights for anyone looking to gain an edge in negotiations and influence. Thinking Big: The Mindset of a Winner...

South Korea's rapid transformation from a war-torn nation into a global economic powerhouse is one of the most compelling success stories of the modern era. In just a few decades, it emerged as a leader in technology, manufacturing, and cultural influence, home to global brands like Samsung, Hyundai, and LG , as well as a dominant force in entertainment through K-pop and cinema . Vietnam, which has also experienced remarkable economic growth over the past 30 years, now faces a critical question: Can it follow Korea’s path to become a global leader in industry and innovation? As someone who has studied Korea’s development in depth through books like Korea: The Impossible Country (Daniel Tudor), Bad Samaritans (Ha-Joon Chang), and The New Korea: An Inside Look at South Korea’s Economic Rise (Myung Oak Kim & Sam Jaffe), I believe that Vietnam has the potential to achieve similar success. However, Vietnam’s approach must be carefully adapted to its own strengths and weaknesses ....