Despite its difficult history in the wake of wars with the United States and China, Vietnam has not only survived, but it is developing well. The relationship between the Communist Party and civil society remains to be ironed out smoothly, but the đổi mới policy of reforms made important strides in this realm.

This book surveys the entire history of Vietnam with a focus on its relationship with China to the North. It not only looks at the many border conflicts but also at ongoing trade between the two lands. While it does note social and cultural influences from China, it does not see Vietnam as a lesser cousin of sorts. It assesses just what makes Vietnam distinctive past and present. It stresses as well that Vietnam is a multi-ethnic society with numerous peoples, customs, and languages.

Tsuboi takes pains to examine how Vietnam is dealing with the extraordinary scars of war to which it has been victim, but it goes beyond victimization to emphasize its present economic development (stresses and strains).

Most characteristic of this book for a Western audience is its discussion and assessment of Japan's role in contemporary Vietnam and Japanese-Vietnamese relations. It is written in a style accessible to all audiences.