Evolving Environmental Governance Structures in a Market Socialist State: The Case of Vietnam

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

In response to massive environmental problems as a result of focus on rapid economic development, the environmental governance of the authoritarian one-party state of Vietnam is slowly evolving. The government has improved its environmental institutions and the law, allowed new societal actors to participate, and networks to be formed. It has promoted Environmental Impact Assessments. In regard to industry, it has introduced new mechanisms such as the polluter-pays principle and the cleaner development mechanism. This progress has been supported by many international organizations. Despite these advances, environmental policy is poorly implemented. Violators rarely pay fines or fees and no company has ever been closed down. The government does not have the capacity to enforce environmental regulations, while it prefers a top-down approach. To avoid threats to the power of the party, it has been reluctant to enhance public participation, develop an independent legal system, or introduce other reforms to increase transparency and accountability.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Socialist Market Economy in Asia
Subtitle of host publicationDevelopment in China, Vietnam and Laos
PublisherSpringer Singapore
Pages195-217
Number of pages23
ISBN (Electronic)9789811562488
ISBN (Print)9789811562471
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Authoritarian one-party state
  • Evolving environmental governance
  • Lack of implementation
  • Top-down approach
  • Vietnam

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