Definition

1. Verb (Transitive): * To call back (to the right path), to recall (to allegiance): A policy or action aimed at persuading individuals who have strayed, defected, or joined an opposing side to return, renounce their previous stance, and pledge loyalty to the current government or authority. It implies an offer of amnesty or leniency. * To rally, to win back (support): The act of seeking to regain the support or allegiance of a group of people.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Chính phủ đã thực hiện chính sách chiêu hồi đối với những người lầm đường lạc lối. (The government implemented an open arms / rallying policy towards those who had gone astray.)
  • Chiến dịch chiêu hồi nhằm kêu gọi các thành viên phiến quay trở về với chính nghĩa. (The rallying campaign aimed to call rebel members back to the righteous cause.)

Advanced Usage

• "Chính sách chiêu hồi": This is the most common collocation, translating directly to "open arms policy" or "rallying policy." It specifically refers to an official government policy of offering amnesty and reintegration to defectors or opponents.
  • "Chính sách chiêu hồi" đã giúp ổn định tình hình khu vực. (The "open arms policy" helped stabilize the regional situation.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chiêu (v): To recruit, to enlist, to summon. Often used in compounds like (to recruit), (to entice, to win over).
• Hồi (v): To return, to come back. Often used in compounds like (to repatriate), (to repent).

Synonyms

• Kêu gọi quay về / trở về: To call for a return.
• Thu phục: To win over, to subdue and bring under control (often through moral or strategic means).
• Vận động trở lại: To campaign/mobilize for a return.

Notes on Meaning

• Historical/Contextual Term: This term is strongly associated with specific historical periods, particularly the Vietnam War era, where it referred to programs by the former Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) to encourage defection from the revolutionary forces. Its usage today often carries this historical connotation.
• Figurative Use: It can be used more broadly in modern contexts to describe any effort to win back supporters or members who have left a group, organization, or cause, though this is less common.

1. "Open arms" policy