Despite rising repression, the democratic awakening of the Vietnamese people continues.

The ruling party continues to adopt a tougher approach to dissent internally even in cases involving its important external partners.

A dearth of coverage, competing global interests, and an omnipresent police state render violations largely unnoticed.

Environmental protests are proving a tough challenge for the communist regime.

Vietnam's population is increasingly vocal about economic, political, and social issues, to the government's dismay.

Vietnamese people greet Obama with a frenzy, but the change they seek remains far-reached.

Are Vietnam's recent protests really about the environment, or are there deeper issues at play?

Vietnam's people hope Obama will voice support for their calls to remedy an environmental disaster.

The public is increasingly angry about reports of mass fish deaths.

Contrary to some accounts, democracy exists in name only in the country ahead of upcoming legislative polls.

Australia and the US have very different approaches to engaging with Vietnam on its human rights record.

Secretary of State John Kerry should use his trip to Vietnam to prompt Hanoi to improve its human rights performance.

The Obama Administration should make sure Congress is on board with its efforts to bolster ties with Vietnam.

A strategic partnership with Vietnam would both advance US interests and produce better results on human rights.