America's Foreign Policy Practice Ecam

The primary reason for the challenges faced by US forces in defeating the North Vietnamese was indeed linked to the level of support from South Vietnam. The South Vietnamese government struggled with widespread corruption, lack of legitimacy, and internal conflicts, which undermined its ability to foster a united front against the North. As the US relied heavily on the South Vietnamese military and government for local support, their weaknesses significantly hindered operational effectiveness and public support for the war.

While military technology played a role in the conflict, its sufficiency is often debated, as the terrain and guerrilla tactics employed by the North Vietnamese countered these technological advantages. Additionally, US troops faced issues related to troop morale; high morale among US servicemen varied greatly throughout the war, especially as casualties mounted and public sentiment shifted. Lastly, while there was international support for the US, this did not equate to overwhelming popularity or assistance that could decisively turn the tide of the conflict. Therefore, the fragile state of support from South Vietnam emerged as a critical factor in the overall outcome of the war.