390 - Viet History Makers - Emperor Bao Dai - What Would You Do As The Last King?

The Vietnamese with Kenneth Nguyen

Join host Kenneth Nguyen and series co-host Kevin Pham, author of Architects of Dignity, in this sub-series of the podcast, exploring the key figures and moments in Vietnamese history.

In this episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam, whose reign marked the twilight of the Nguyen dynasty and the turbulent crossroads of Vietnamese history. From his privileged upbringing in the royal court to his complex role as both a symbol of tradition and a figure entangled in modern political struggles, we explore how Bao Dai navigated a rapidly changing world.

Discover the challenges, contradictions, and controversies of an emperor caught between colonial powers, nationalist movements, and his own vision for Vietnam. Whether you're intrigued by the dynamics of monarchy in a revolutionary era, fascinated by the personal stories behind historical shifts, or seeking to understand Vietnam’s journey through the 20th century, this episode offers a nuanced portrait of a leader who witnessed the end of an era and the birth of a new nation.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts.

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024).

Kevindoanpham.com

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

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