Laos in the 1980s

Abstract "Laos in the 1980s" examines some of the current problems faced by the Lao People's Democratic Republic. It begins by broadly tracing major developments since the overthrow of the Lao monarchy in December 1975 in terms of the interaction between the internal political situation and external pressures. It then discusses the country's economic prospects in the light of policies incorporated in the first Lao five-year plan (1981-85). The problems of national integration of minority groups and internal security are briefly examined, as are Laos' relations with Vietnam, China and Thailand. Finally an assessment is offered of how Laos is likely to face up to the challenges of the present decade.