TRIGGERnometry Everything You Think You Know About Vietnam Is Wrong — Historian Mark Moyar
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May 9, 2026 
Mark Moyar, historian of modern war and US foreign policy, offers a concise mini bio then dives into Vietnam’s origins, key turning points like the Gulf of Tonkin and Tet, and the impact of coups and political decisions. Short, sharp takes explore guerrilla tactics, proxy backing from China and the USSR, Nixon-era actions, and Vietnam’s lasting legacy on American foreign policy and trust in institutions.
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Tactical Wins Couldn't Stop The Trail
- American forces won lopsided tactical battles but North Vietnamese used withdrawal, jungle sanctuaries, and the Ho Chi Minh Trail to sustain operations.
- Moyar highlights terrain, Laos/Cambodia sanctuaries and resupply as key strategic challenges.
Tet Lost Battles But Won The Message War
- The Tet Offensive was a military disaster for the communists but a media and political victory that undermined U.S. public confidence.
- Moyar stresses heavy communist losses yet powerful U.S. media focus made it appear otherwise, hurting political support.
Either Commit Fully Or Don't Intervene
- If a nation intervenes it must either fight decisively or withdraw; indecisive middle paths invite failure.
- Moyar summarizes the lesson: U.S. leaders tried to sit on two stools and fell between them.