After several decades of war and economic and social dislocation, Vietnam began to gradually return to normalcy in the mid-1980s by adopting a series of economic and institutional reforms. Because of the 'stop-start' character of the reform process, the Communist Party of Vietnam is facing significant challenges in the process of transition. The Ninth National Party Congress, held in April 2001, produced as much chaos as cohesion. The dilemma of Vietnam's political leadership is obvious and at least until it is able to make the right choice in the areas of economy and governance, the party will continue to play an influential role in state affairs.
