Abstract

Education and civil service examinations were important means of selecting talented individuals under the monarchy. Confucian education formed an intellectual class imbued with loyalty to the monarch and patriotism, serving as a key force in protecting royal authority and maintaining social order. During the Nguyen Dynasty, Southern Confucian scholars contributed not only to economic and cultural development but also to political affairs. Many held important responsibilities in maintaining domestic stability, safeguarding national security, and resisting foreign aggression. This article examines the role of Southern Confucian scholars in fulfilling the defense and security missions of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1884.

Keywords: Confucian scholars, defense and security, foreign aggression, Nguyen Dynasty, Southern Vietnam.