Abstract

This article analyzes the military thought of General Võ Nguyên Giáp through his creative application of dialectical materialism. By integrating national traditions with Marxist–Leninist theory, he led the Vietnamese armed forces to decisive victories in the resistance war against French colonialism (1945–1954) and the war against American intervention (1954–1975). Through the strategy of “people’s war” and the principle of “people first, weapons second,” he developed a powerful military force grounded in the strength of the masses under the leadership of the Party. His enduring legacy continues to offer valuable theoretical and practical lessons for contemporary national defense and the safeguarding of national sovereignty.

Keywords: Dialectical materialism, Điện Biên Phủ, people’s war, People’s Army, Võ Nguyên Giáp.