'This book is the result of a research project conducted by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and the Vietnam Institute of Ethnology. This book addresses the following key issues: 1. Theoretical and practical issues of ethnicity and the theory of ethnicity. 2. Marxist theories of ethnicity. 3. European-American theories of ethnicity. 4. Some theoretical issues and approaches to research on ethnic relations in Vietnam. 5. Theoretical issues of culture and approach to study the cultural identity of ethnic groups and national culture in Vietnam. 6. Theoretical issues and approach research on social change in Vietnam. 7. Theoretical issues and approach to environmental research in Vietnam.