Ruolo del fattore Vietnam nel riavvicinamento USA-Cina

This thesis examines the intricate and multifaceted relations between the United States and the People’s Republic of China during the latter half of the 20th century, with a particular focus on the pivotal role played by the Vietnam factor in the shaping of the dynamics of their rapprochement. The relationship between these two nations underwent a notable change during the late 1960s and the early 1970s, which was characterized by an effort to normalize diplomatic relations and the creation of a sophisticated geopolitical alliance. This thesis explores how the Vietnam War severed as a critical catalyst for the conciliation process of the United States and China in the context of the Cold War. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing studies and diplomatic archives, this research investigates the role of Vietnam as a contentious proxy battleground that the United States chose in its fight against communism, a point of contention in Sino-American relations, and a factor that pushed both nations toward a reconsideration of their foreign policy priorities. Furthermore, this thesis examines the role of diplomacy, as well as significant figures, such as Henry Kissinger and Zhou Enlai in facilitating this diplomatic breakthrough of the two nations.