
Biography
Vu Khanh Phuong (Rose), is originally from Vietnam and currently resides in Scotland, where she is pursuing a Master’s degree in International Conflict and Cooperation. She has a deep-rooted passion for diplomacy in international relations, inspired by stories from her parents about the diplomatic strategies of President Ho Chi Minh and other prominent Vietnamese politicians during the Vietnam War. This early curiosity evolved into a focused interest in the diplomacy of small and medium-sized countries in their interactions with great and middle powers.
With over five years of academic experience in International Politics, specialising in Southeast Asian diplomacy and geopolitics, Rose has developed a strong foundation in her field. Her professional aspiration is to become a diplomatic officer, combining scholarly knowledge with practical diplomatic engagement. She is particularly drawn to conflict resolution, peaceful dispute settlement, and fostering mutual cooperation between nations.
Rose believes that in today’s interconnected world, diplomacy represents a vital form of soft power, essential for navigating international relations without resorting to coercive means. She is committed to deepening her understanding and training in this field, striving to balance the qualities of both a diplomatic practitioner and a scholar.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Rose is enthusiastic about sharing her expertise on the international politics of East Asia, the Asia-Pacific, and the Indo-Pacific regions. As a student ambassador for the Asia Scotland Institute, she values the opportunity to engage with global leaders, scholars, and experts, and to broaden her horizons through hands-on experience and meaningful connections with like-minded peers and mentors.
Publications

Southeast Asian Diplomacy in the Era of Great Power Rivalry: The ASEAN Way
As we move into the epoch of Asia’s ascendancy, Southeast Asia has become a geostrategic region characterised by rapid economic growth and increasing projections of power by major global actors. The region comprises eleven small and medium-sized countries with limited economic and military capabilities: Indonesia,