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If only we understood them better: country experts and the American War in Vietnam

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  • Jeffrey H. Michaels

Abstract

In his 1995 memoir, former US Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara argued one reason why the US lost in Vietnam was insufficient country expertise. This claim generated considerable controversy, but until now, no systematic examination. To fill this gap, this article begins with an analysis of the debate about a shortage of expertise and provides an overview of the Vietnam expert community. It then examines how country expertise featured in US strategy towards the Viet Cong and North Vietnam. The article concludes that regardless of its shortcomings, the bigger problem was American policymakers’ inability or unwillingness to make better use of the Vietnam expertise that was available.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeffrey H. Michaels, 2026. "If only we understood them better: country experts and the American War in Vietnam," Small Wars and Insurgencies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(6), pages 1489-1517, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:fswixx:v:37:y:2026:i:6:p:1489-1517
    DOI: 10.1080/09592318.2026.2652439
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