Does Defection Matter The Impact of the Chieu Hoi Program in Vietnam.

摘要

An analysis of the Chieu Hoi Program warrants considerable similarities to other conflicts. In addition to the role of the host nation government, the psychological aspect of defection is paramount. Whether it is a military strategist, historian, or the casual observer, there is temptation to simplify the most complex of problems in war. It is simple and often convenient to generalize the motives of belligerents with the broadest of strokes. Social and cultural differences can also skew one's perception of the enemy. With limited understanding about their motivation and psychological weaknesses, a basic question emerges: Do all enemy fighters really fight for the reasons we believe they do? The Chieu Hoi Program was a success on many levels. It helped drain Viet Cong manpower by nearly 194,000 fighters. Compared to other pacification programs, it was perhaps the most cost-efficient of the Vietnam War. No matter how well the U.S. supported the program, the South Vietnamese government's level of commitment limited its success. A lack of South Vietnamese leadership influenced more than Chieu Hoi-it substantiates the limits of a program without host nation ownership, and serves as one of the missed opportunities in a complex war.