In the debut episode of The New Asia Podcast from Muddy Waters Asia, host Michael Coolbaugh sits down with Rob Medd, Head of Asia at Muddy Waters, to unpack Vietnam’s rising role in the global economy.

From trade wars to transshipment, from Cold War history to future tech investments, this is a comprehensive, boots-on-the-ground look at how Vietnam became a key player in the New World Order. Whether you’re an investor, a policy watcher, or just curious about Asia’s future, this episode lays the groundwork.

Why some are calling it Liberation Day and what it means for Asia

How Vietnam has become the battleground of U.S.–China trade tensions

The rise of Vietnam through both legitimate FDI and controversial transshipment

The geopolitical tightrope Vietnam walks with China, the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine

What the “Bamboo Policy” means for Vietnam’s foreign relations

The legacy of the Vietnam War on modern global supply chains

Domestic policy shifts, digitization, and Vietnam’s push toward higher-value manufacturing

How Vietnam differs from China in terms of intellectual property, governance, and economic openness
What to watch next: tariffs, licensing crackdowns, education reform, and infrastructure investments

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