Before the barrage of denunciations directed at writer Bảo Ninh’s novel “The Sorrow of War” had fully subsided, another volley of criticism emerged. [1] This time, the target was Nguyễn Thành Nam’s “Chuyện với Thanh” (Conversations with Thanh), a book centered on President Hồ Chí Minh. [2]

Behaviors such as informing on others, exposing individuals, and labeling them “hostile forces” are typically associated with the police. However, it is striking that both recent waves of fierce denunciation originated from the military, an institution generally regarded as being “closer to the people” and far more benevolent.