While most Vietnam War historians focus on America's role in the conflict, Nguyen examines the international context in which North Vietnamese leaders pursued the war and American intervention ended. This riveting narrative ranges from the Mekong Delta swamps to the bomb-saturated Red River Delta, from the corridors of power in Hanoi and Saigon to the Nixon White House, from the peace negotiations in Paris to high-level meetings in Beijing and Moscow, all to reveal that peace never had a chance in Vietnam. Nguyen explores the politics of war and peace from various perspectives, presenting a uniquely international portrait.