Small Revolutionaries

Participation of Children and Youth in the Vietnam War

Mai Anh Nguyen

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English

Southeast Asia Program Publications, Cornell University
15 November 2025

Asian history; Postwar 20th century history, from c 1945 to c 2000; Military history; Vietnam War; Irregular or guerrilla forces & warfare

In Small Revolutionaries, Mai Anh Nguyen analyzes the life histories of young Vietnamese who participated in the military struggle against the United States and its South Vietnamese allies from 1955 to 1975. Their contributions took many forms: intelligence gathering, camp care and maintenance, even the building and destruction of roads using simple tools. Through these activities and others, young people contributed to the victory of the Vietnamese revolutionary forces. At the same time, they displayed significant political awareness, kindness, and empathy, as well as remarkable resilience while navigating the physical dangers and emotional challenges of war.

Nguyen examines the predominant social order at the time, which emphasized family loyalty, collectivism, and concern for one's community, as well as communist ideology, which children and youth internalized as part of their lives before joining the military effort. Together, these forces influenced the broader Vietnamese concept of childhood and the wartime experiences of young recruits. In Small Revolutionaries, young people emerge as active, socially engaged, and intelligent individuals with valuable and insightful stories to tell.

By: Mai Anh Nguyen
Imprint: Southeast Asia Program Publications, Cornell University
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm,
Weight: 907g
ISBN: 9781501783951
ISBN 10: 1501783955
Pages: 216
Publication Date: 15 November 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Further / Higher Education
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Mai Anh Nguyen is a Lecturer in International Relations at SOAS, University of London. Her primary research interest lies in examining children's perspective of global politics, particularly issues of (in)security.