Chapter Seventeen
Healing the Past: U.S.-Lao Relations and Health Cooperation in Southeast Asia
Peter M. Haymond
Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.
— Helen Keller, early 1920s
Abstract
The arrival of U.S. COVID-19 vaccines in Laos in 2021 marked a pivotal shift in a relationship once marred by conflict. This chapter examines how sustained U.S. health cooperation over two decades, culminating in the pandemic response, has fostered trust and transformed the U.S.-Lao dynamic. By prioritizing Laos’ needs,
providing unconditional aid, and collaborating on health initiatives, the United States has become a valued partner, exemplified by the significant improvement in public perception. This case study serves as a model for U.S. engagement in Southeast Asia, highlighting the effectiveness of non-transactional partnerships in fostering lasting relationships and promoting regional stability and prosperity.
