Hun Sen’s Cambodia

by Sebastian Strangio

To many in the West, the name Cambodia still conjures up indelible images of destruction and death, the legacy of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime and the terror it inflicted in its attempt to create a communist utopia in the 1970s. Sebastian Strangio, a journalist based in the capital city of Phnom Penh, now offers an eye-opening appraisal of modern-day Cambodia in the years following its emergence from bitter conflict and bloody upheaval.
 
In the early 1990s, Cambodia became the focus of the UN’s first great post–Cold War nation-building project, with billions in international aid rolling in to support the fledgling democracy. But since the UN-supervised elections in 1993, the nation has slipped steadily backward into neo-authoritarian rule under Prime Minister Hun Sen. Behind a mirage of democracy, ordinary people have few rights and corruption infuses virtually every facet of everyday life. In this lively and compelling study, the first of its kind, Strangio explores the present state of Cambodian society under Hun Sen’s leadership, painting a vivid portrait of a nation struggling to reconcile the promise of peace and democracy with a violent and tumultuous past.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Asia, Politics, Biography, War

344 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2014

About the author

Sebastian Strangio is a journalist, author, and independence analyst focusing on Southeast Asia. From 2008 to 2011, he worked as an editor and reporter at The Phnom Penh Post, Cambodia's oldest English-language newspaper, and he has since traveled and reported extensively across Asia. His writing has appeared in more than 30 leading publications including The New York Times, Foreign Policy, The Atlantic, and Foreign Affairs. Sebastian is the author of Hun Sen’s Cambodia (Yale University Press, 2014), and is a leading commentator on contemporary Cambodian politics and society. He is currently based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where he is a research affiliate at the Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development at Chiang Mai University.

Reviews

[Menglong Youk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian Strangio, Cambodia-based journalist and a former reporter and editor of the Phnom Penh Post, has released this new accessible-history-of-modern-day-Cambodia book, Hun Sen’s Cambodia, early this year. Basically, the book is not only guiding readers to some of the most important biographical portrait of the longtime Cambodian prime minister - and the one and only strongman - Hun Sen, but also unrevealing many complicatedly untold histories in the last decades in controversial Cambodian politics. Strangio details how Hun Sen unbelievably developed himself from a poor skinny pagoda boy and unworldly senior official in the Vietnam-installed after Khmer Rouge regime into a living God (?) who has dominated the country for thirty years. By far, he has become incredulously rich and an increasingly powerful leader in Southeast Asia region.

Fast forward to 1979, after Vietnamese invasion in Cambodia, Hun Sen was the youngest foreign minister in the world. During his time of power in the ministry of foreign affairs, unlike his seniors who were president, head of states, etc. being busy appointing their relatives and comrades in many positions in the country, Hun Sen wisely knew that if his power was to be remained and more powerful in the future, he must gather in engineers, teachers, lawyers, diplomats, and former highly experienced officials, whom he thought he would need to support him and be his allies to run the country with him. This is unmistakably an important strategy how Hun Sen has been able to dominate the country for so long. Strangio reveals how Hun Sen’s version of iron-fisted stability and growth - albeit growth with high inequality - also truly made the strongman popular with the public. Strangio shows how Hun Sen alone, among Cambodia’s major political figures, understood how to build a nationwide party organization and how to appeal to the rural population, in much the same way former King Sihanouk appealed to the Cambodian poor. The author also shows how Hun Sen, whose party lost 1993 election which was born because of billions of dollars of foreign peace investment in Cambodia organized by UNTAC, refused to accept the result and threatened his opponent until he received a compromise on being the second prime minister of Cambodia. This case never happened anywhere around the world, accept for Cambodia. (Unique) -_-

In the epilogue, the author also states that Hun Sen’s traditionally powerful strategies, which he has used for decades, has no longer had any effects to modern Cambodian youth who are living in digital world with no information can be hidden from them. It's high time Cambodia’s destiny was in Cambodians' hand. These are the last sentences of the book, "Cambodia’s march toward democracy has never been inevitable. History and culture continue to exercise their strong gravitational pull. But there is some hope that the Cambodian mirage might one day flicker and fade, revealing a social landscape that is fairer and more just. After so many dark times, the Cambodian people would deserve nothing less."

Overall, this is the most enriched-information book on Hun Sen's modern-day Cambodia that has been released so far. It's also my most favorite Cambodian politics book I've read this year.

[Erin Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

oof. the Hunsenomics chapter is a real stand-out, as is the epilogue but goddamn is a tough one.

[Philipc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hun Sen’s Cambodia is an evocation and explanation of contemporary Cambodia, a country synonymous with its leader, Hun Sen.

The first half of the book traces the history of the country from the end of the Khmer Rouge regime to the present; the second half investigates the reality of life in and under what the author calls “the mirage on the Mekong.” Presiding over all is strongman Hun Sen, who has dominated the last three decades as Sihanouk dominated an earlier age.

Hun Sen was born into a comparatively well—off peasant family, but the family lost their money and he was forced to become a temple-boy in Phnom Penh. This remains a very common pattern today, so common in fact that it makes me wonder which of my local temples might be sheltering Cambodia’s future leadership at this moment.


Exactly how the young Hun Sen became a communist – if indeed he ever did embrace the cause in any meaningful way – remains extremely murky, although Sihanouk’s call for all patriotic Cambodians to join the anti-Lon Nol maquis following his overthrow in 1970 seems to have been the catalyst. It’s clear, however, that he was a young man of great ability, rising to become a KR commander in the Eastern Zone before the Party’s collapse into self-destructive purges forced him to flee to Vietnam in 1997.

In January 1979, aged just 26, he returned as Foreign Minister in the new Vietnamese-backed government. In this role he impressed visitors with his intelligence, hard work, and uncanny ability to tack with the changing political winds. These abilities, and possibly a certain ruthlessness, enabled him to see off his decidedly less talented colleagues, and by 1985 he was Prime Minister, a position he’s held ever since. Strangio gives a fascinating account of how Pen Sovan, the first post-KR prime minister, tried to resist Vietnamese direction and ended up in a cell in Hanoi; Hun Sen in contrast made himself indispensable to the new overlords, and ended up filling Pen Sovan's shoes.


Cambodia in the mid-1980s was a tangle of personalised patronage networks – the Khmer word is “strings”, conjuring up the not inappropriate image of a bowl of spaghetti. No one was better suited than Hun Sen to bring order to the chaos. Patronage is deeply rooted in Cambodian culture, and always has been. Gifts are passed down and generate loyalty which then confirms the authority of the giver. The system is, of course, deeply destructive. “Government posts [are] valued according to their potential to generate income, while the power of higher officials depend on their ability to distribute those positions.” The task of making himself the ultimate source of all influence and power was to occupy Hun Sen for the rest of his career, and still continues.


Modern Cambodia has unquestionably benefited from Hun Sen’s subtle approach to the role of patronage boss. The country has an open market, a democratic constitution, and a vibrant civil society. Guns have just about disappeared off the streets (the average Cambodian runs a far lesser risk of being shot than does the average American), the press is freer than in many other countries in the region, foreign investment is booming, and the tourism and garment industries are diversifying employment opportunities.

If only the reality were so bright and shiny. Strangio gives Hun Sen his due – in 2004 one in two Cambodian’s lived in poverty, by 2011 the figure had dropped to one in five and falling – but as he makes clear, the commitment to Western ideas of the liberal society is both limited and pragmatic. Partly this is because Hun Sen has seen that the West’s talk of the virtues of freedom is hypocritical – these were the countries that kept Pol Pot in the United Nations and isolated Cambodia through the 1980s for their own cynical purposes. And partly, of course, he can’t afford to hand over the keys to the patronage machine.

And so it continues: land seizures in the provinces, slum clearances in the capital, unionists and others shot dead or jailed, media taken over and controlled by those the elite can trust, a compliant judiciary, etc etc. Even the CNRP opposition offers no more than a change of faces, and Sam Rainsy’s racist Khmer chauvinism hardly seems like something to long for. Strangio’s book makes depressing reading.


And yet, for all this, he ends on a note of hope. Cambodia has not stood still for the last thirty years. A new generation has grown up, one more educated, more exposed to outside values, less willing to accept patronage politics and a society of entrenched inequality. The results were seen in the 2013 elections, when the CPP lost a massive number of seats, obviously to its own surprise. Cambodia is changing, while Hun Sen is aging.

[Nallasivan V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book right after reading Philip Short's Pol Pot. To some extent, this book can be considered as a well deserved sequel to Pol Pot. It picks up where Pol Pot leaves you and takes you through an intriguing history of the post Khmer Rouge Cambodia. If Pol Pot were Godfather I, Hun Sen's Cambodia would be Godfather II.

The first part of the book traces the history of Hun Sen from 1979, when he was one of the four leaders of the vietnam instated Cambodian government to 2010 - the twenty+ years, Hun Sen ruled the country through deft political maneuvering. He carefully balances the mirage of democracy, all the while manipulating the political narrative of the country to keep himself in power. It is one of the most intriguing political history of modern times.

The second part of the book tries to capture how life is in Cambodia under Hun Sen. This is the part which doesn't work too well for the author. For most part, it is repetitive and doesn't anything new that the first part hasn't covered.

But overall, it is a great read. It will stoke your interest in Cambodian Politics. I am already looking forward to following the 2018 national elections.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent overview of Cambodia and its politics since the fall of the Khmer Rouge. The story revolves around Hun Sen, the once Khmer Rouge member who defected to Vietnam and was placed in leadership when Vietnam ousted the Khmer Rouge. I read the latest 2020 edition of this book, which reduces the name to just "Cambodia" from the original name "Hun Sen's Cambodia". The original name is certainly correct, it is Hun Sen's Cambodia. He has ruled over the country as a dictator for 30 years.

Strangio spent 8 years in Cambodia as a journalist. He produced a heavily footnoted and well-researched account of pivotal events over this time period. The picture he paints of Hun Sen is that he is a carefully choreographed, corrupt and ruthless leader. Hun has not hidden his ruthlessness, saying that 100-200 lives is a small price to pay for stability in the country. He stokes fear amongst the people that any other political party in power would lead to extreme civil strife. He uses this to justify imprisoning political rivals or otherwise keep them out of the country, in Sam Rainsy's case. Rainsy, Hun's main political opponent, can't return to Cambodia without being arrested, which has helped cement Hun's iron grip on the country.

Strangio gives a good account of the highly publicized trials of the former Khmer Rouge leaders, which Hun Sen successfully kept from prosecuting any but the few most visible leaders. There are still so many former Khmer Rouge in government, including Hun Sen, that he cared more about maintaining his grip on loyal supporters than true justice.

Strangio further documented the limited rights of the Cambodian people. If the government wants your land, it will take it. While the country is no longer really communist, the rule of law does not exist, and what Hun Sen says goes. The natural resources of the country have been doled out to loyal supporters of the party, which ultimately robs the people.

Strangio mentioned a couple times this idea that the culture of Khmer people, heavily influenced by their brand of Buddhism, is one of acceptance of their lot in life. That their current station is a result of a previous life, so they are generally not inclined to fight for better rights. I suppose he is speaking in generalities since this is contradicted by the many that are fighting to change things. I married into a Cambodian family, and I get what he is saying to an extent and it is an interesting take, but I think this is a much too simplistic view.

This is probably the best book to read on modern Cambodia, I would highly recommend it.

[Satu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very pleasant read despite its very unpleasant subject matter. Rarely does a non-fiction book keep me glued to the chair like this one did, I read it in two sittings. I'm always a bit apprehensive about reading non-fiction that's not written by an academic not trusting myself to be critical enough. But reading this book I didn't feel that way. Strangio's style was clearly journalistic and his own voice was constantly present. I felt there was no mistaking his own views and interpretations for facts. I was able to just sit back and enjoy the nice flow of the text, original use of metaphore and of course the very, very strange world of cambodian past and present.

To me the strenght of this book is in giving a plausible explanation for how an oppressive and abusive system of government, deeming people to poverty can stand free elections -something that has always puzzled me. Another subject I found fascinating was Strangio's outlook on the inertia of the cambodian "development complex" and the way foreign aid is deeply entrenched in and manipulated by the cambodian government (ie. Hun Sen) for its own purposes.

The book has its weaknesses though. The chapters on land use (or land grabbing) and civil society -both essential aspects of any society- lacked both the fact and vision that the other chapters had. These are clearly not Strangio's main areas of interest. However, I gladly forgive Strangio for these weaknesses because I really felt I gained a better understanding of how these countless pseudo-democracies in the world work and enjoyed the process too.

[Iván · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un completo retrato y análisis histórico, político y social de Camboya.

[Joseph Spuckler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well you'll work harder
With a gun in your back
For a bowl of rice a day
Slave for soldiers
Till you starve
Then your head is skewered on a stake

"Holiday in Cambodia", Dead Kennedys

Hun Sen’s Cambodia by Sebastian Strangio is a history of modern Cambodia. Strangio is a former reporter and editor for the Phnom Penh Post, Cambodia’s oldest English language newspaper. He currently is a freelance writer covering Asia, and resides in Phnom Penh.

Cambodia, for many Americans, is a place they may of heard in passing, but little else. For those of us over fifty we probably remember three things about Cambodia: Bombing during the Vietnam War, Pol Pot, and a Dead Kennedys song. My background in history and international relations added very little to those three things, except I do remember Pol Pot’s death and the "democratization" of the country.

Strangio splits the book into two parts intermingled parts. The first is a detailed history which is written in a standard fashion and is well documented. The second part is written as a reporter, more of a narrative nonfiction style. There is a fairly easily recognized style changes throughout the book. The narrative nonfiction is not a style that I like, but here is put to good use. Strangio has spend and reported on some of the more recent events in the countries history.

Cambodia was a country America wanted to forget after Vietnam. We were still bitter about the war and preferred to concentrate more in our own backyard of Central and South America. Cambodia became a puppet state of Vietnam and resistance was being fought by the notorious Pol Pot. America could not support the Vietnamese government, nor could it support Pol Pot. Carter’s National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski was quoted in 1985 saying that “Pol Pot was an abomination. We could never support him, but China could.” America could sit this civil war out.

The real story in the book is Hun Sen and his rise to power and his ability to hold power to the present time. There was a great effort to democratize Cambodia by the UN and it cost a great deal of money. Cambodia was expected to move from a tradition of authoritarian rule to a democracy in one move. The results are what should be expected -- democracy in name only. Much as Mexico’s Porfirio Diaz, democracy can be a misleading term in describing some governments. Hun Sen succeeded in what counts on the international stage, stability.

Strangio spends a good deal of pages reporting to the reader the current situations in Cambodia. Cambodia is an interesting country with a good deal of freedoms for the people. An English speaker will recognize a free press with little restrictions. The native will see a restrict press. Censorship is much more pronounced in the native language. Ecologically Cambodia is in trouble as nearly forty percent of its forest are now gone. Most of the forests have been sold off for cash without much planning or thought to the potential damage. Phnom Penh has been expanding at the expense of lakes and property owners. The expansion called for filling in a lake which was a water sink during the rainy season preventing floods. The GDP of Cambodia tripled in the decade between 2003 and 2013, however much of Cambodia is in the financial control of a very few.

There is little doubt of the harsh history inside Cambodia. The progress that shown today is mostly just on the surface. Life is still harsh for the vast majority, but far less so than it was during the time of Pol Pot. It was a country that was perhaps too quickly pushed into a democracy. Very few countries make a smooth transition from an authoritarian state to a democratic one. Cambodia is showing hope and that hope is in the hands of the man running the country since 1998. Establishing a stable modern democracy is a long process and it took decades for South Korea to (arguably) move into that category. Sen Hun’s Cambodia is an excellent study of a country, a man, and the current situation in Cambodia. Well worth the read.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many books have been written regarding the Khmer Rouge period in Cambodia, a horrific chapter in that nation’s and world history. It’s natural that such a period should command significant attention from observers across disciplines and, indeed, the impacts of that time are still felt today. What very few writers have ventured to do is analyze the post-conflict period of the past few decades and explore the internal workings of a society and governance structure that, for most outsiders, remains opaque. In Hun Sen’s Cambodia, author Sebastian Strangio, a journalist who worked in Cambodia for several years, peels back the layers on a system of patronage and graft that emerged as the dominant governance feature, both politically and socially, in a nation that survived extinction from external threats, civil war and mass murder.

Hun Sen’s Cambodia looks at the rise of Cambodia’s decades-long leader from humble beginnings to the Prime Minister of a nation that has been a major subject of international attention for the last three decades. Strangio portrays a shrewd and ambitious young Khmer Rouge cadre, who used his quickly-developed skills as a political negotiator to achieve power and then wield it effectively, both within his own nation and party as well as on the international stage. Far from hagiography, Strangio describes Hun Sen as a ruthless leader bent on using whatever leverage available to placate or silence enemies within Cambodia while simultaneously playing allies, opponents and donors against one another on the international stage through skillful manipulation and application of realpolitik.

Strangio’s book is a deep dive into the complex network of corruption that undergirds this “Mirage on the Mekong,” in his apt phrase. Hun Sen’s Cambodia is a must-read for anyone seeking insight into current-day Cambodian politics and society.

[Stephen Morrissey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mayor Richard J. Daley once remarked that "Good government is good politics and politics is good government." A world away, in post-Pol Pot Cambodia, that axiom has been shown in stark relief across the decades of Hun Sen's reign. Strangio offers a fascinating look into the political, economic, and social history of Cambodia following the bloody and brutal years of the Khmer Rouge. Through battles with the royalist clan and supporters of Sihanouk and the reformist party of Rainsy, Hun Sen continues to hold ultimate sway over Cambodia, with a stranglehold on central government decision-making and superficially-intimate connection with the rural people living beyond Phnom Phen.

The Cambodia that Strangio depicts is a "developing nation" success story with a massive and horrific caveat: Hun Sen's rule has led to the sometimes murderous suppression of political opponents, as well as the literal steamrolling over citizens' lives for the sake of lining a few more pockets and acceding to the whims of greedy developers and business interests.

One excerpt that is particularly revealing is the farming out of the ticket revenues for the tourist-filled Angkor Wat temple complex outside of Siem Reap. Much of the revenues are vacuumed up by a private corporation with links between the owners and Hun Sen. If any anecdote captures the contradictions of modern Cambodia, it is perhaps that: despite economic development and massive infusions of wealth brought in by tourists and other foreign investors, Cambodia still operates not as a democracy, but a kleptocracy.

Strangio's book is not be missed if you're looking for a deep dive into Cambodian politics.

[Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wonderfully covers recent Cambodian history. It is clear and detailed with many very interesting quotes from Hun Sen and others. It will be my go to recommendation for anyone looking to really understand how Cambodia has gotten to the place it is at. It’s dense, so maybe not for everyone, but if you are serious about Cambodia then it’s a great read.
The books only downfall (not really a downfall) is that time passes and so some of the ideas are quite aged. Much of the chapter on international aid doesn’t reflect the current situation. Cambodia has changed a lot in the past decade and so those statistics are of course out of date.
I’m going to be thinking about the chapter on development for a while. I wonder what it is about Cambodian culture or history that makes Cambodians more likely to “say yes, yes, yes, to everything and do absolutely nothing” than other face-saving Buddhist countries like Vietnam or Thailand. It’s not just the politicians. It’s part of the culture in the provinces too.
I wish I could read an updated version!

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provides an excellent explanation to the situation in Cambodia through the mid 2010s
Previously the Prime Minister, Hun Sen is now the President of the Senate with his son taking his previous title
The level of corruption achieved by Hun Sen is an impressive testament to what can be achieve through hard work and dedication

Several passages provide a deep look into the difference between the true corruption in Cambodia and the comparatively tame problems we have in the United States
Within two pages, Hun Sen...
Requires people to celebrate the anniversary of January 7th (Start of the new government/end of Khmer Rouge)
Calls detractors animals and [communist] apologists
Makes phone calls to local leaders offering bribes in exchange for election wins
Insults (especially) women officials who criticize his leadership
And declares that suing the Prime Minister for defamation is itself an act of defamation and wins without a trial

Surely someone like this could never be elected in the United States

[Jane Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

The go-to work on Cambodia today

Journlistically written and concise, this is a workmanlike summary of Cambodia's history, past conflicts, and is an attempt to describe the making of modern Cambodia. It is interesting on the character of Hun Sen, and while its relentless harping on corruption and patronage gets repetitive, it is a repetition worth making, as it is corruption and patronage which are holding back Cambodia's development today, and keeping its people more impoverished than they need be. It is also a useful foil to the generalised assumptions of NGO workers, and other foreigners working in Cambodia, who can be seduced by the easy living and permissive atmosphere. It is relatively sanguine about Cambodia's polity - Cambodia has a democratic future ahead of it, but that future is not very near. A valuable source book for those who live or work in Cambodia, or who are considering doing so. Others should read it too.

[Steven Bosch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book about Cambodia and its turbulent history. It describes meticulously how a country with incredible promise became a victim of domestic weakness and was dominated by the French, a weak monarchy which probably was its best era in modern times, the absolute terror of the red Khmer, the Vietnamese and finally the ruthless Hun Sen who after being favored by the US ended up making Cambodia into its personal fiefdom. The book ends with how again geopolitics create havoc for cambodia with a well intended but utterly failed UN mission after which the Chinese started to gain extensive influence. The incredibly useless and poorly built new airport at siem reap funded by China serves as a stark reminder how the wind is currently blowing for Cambodia

[Ben Fraser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although billed as a history of modern Cambodia, it evolves more into a treatise on government corruption. The structure is thematic rather than chronological, moving through the effects on urban and rural communities, before turning to civil society and international aid. This is really the heart; a sharp critique of global institutions for consistently failing to understand Cambodia (more specifically the real-politik) thereby allowing authoritarianism and corruption to flourish. The highlights are certainly in the vivid anecdotes and personal biographies of the people affected by the Government’s policies.

[Stephen Hull · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not an easy read, but not in the sense of Cambodia’s grim history. It’s not easy because it’s very densely packed with politics, organisations and very complex political manoeuvring. It would be much more effective as a shorter book, but you can’t deny the author’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the country’s history. If you want to know why Cambodia is in the state it’s in – and if it will ever get better – this book is essential reading, I read it after spending 10 days or so in Cambodia, and I wonder if perhaps it would have been as powerful for me if I’d read it before I went.

[Przemek Pietraszek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is beautifully written, with meticulous research and a writing style that makes it both enjoyable and easily digestible, despite its considerable length and complex subject matter. I especially appreciated the way the author integrated historical and cultural context, including the legacy of the Khmer Rouge, to shed light on the current political landscape. Nevertheless, I am uncertain whether the book concludes on a positive note, as some reviewers have implied, especially in light of the current geopolitical context.

[KT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readable and informative history of modern day Cambodia and Hun Sen's rise and consolidation of power.
I enjoyed the book's treatment of Hunsenomics and its effects such as land redevelopment and forced displacement amidst rising inequality.
The book also has a great chapter on the current role of international/national NGOs, their interaction with Hun Sen's government and the issue of trading off between aid dependency and self-obsolesce.

[Pokpong Lawansiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating and must read primer on contemporary Cambodia.

The book covered the period post-Democratic Kampuchea to mid 2010s. In writing this book, Strangio, a former Phnom Penh Post journalist, reviewed all the key documents, books, archives and spoke with all the key interlocutors; he offered critical assessments of the roles of the UN, the West, and development partners.

The book ended in a positive and hopeful light (after the 2013 election).

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting, especially when compared to more first-hand accounts like the killing fields. While it's discouraging to read about the mechanics of politics in Cambodia, it also sounds similar to what goes on in nearby countries and is a pointed reminder of how development/NGOs can't expect to make real progress without considering politics.

[Chansomanita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first grabbed the book with little interest thinking that there won’t be much things to learn about my own home country. I thought it would be me being a tourist in my home country but things turned out that there are a lot of pieces of informations and events that I wasn’t aware of.
It’s a great book if you want to foster your reading journey or if you plan to move or live here, in Cambodia.

[Bruce Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best book about post-Pol Pot Cambodia out there. It covers politics but has nice insights into ordinary lives- and the struggles of ordinary Cambodians. As the author travels around the country- and doesn't just stay in Phnom Penh as so many expats do- he brings veracity. Anyone thinking to broaden their understanding of Cambodia is recommended to read this book.

[Wade Metz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I have been staying in Phnom Penh for the past week, and this book was available at the place I was staying.
Although I was aware of the Khmer Rouge and the 1975-1979 genocide, I had no idea of the political landscape post-1979.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in Cambodia and it’s very complex history.

[Zubin Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview of mordern cambodia that blends straightforward prose with good factual analysis and a broad insight into the mordern country that show's both the progress and the uneveness of it since since the turn of the century. Particulary like how critical it is of international agencies and their strange effect upon the country.

[Alyssa Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great overview of Cambodia's political situation during the last few decades. And how certain prominent figures rose to power. Recommended reading for anyone living or working in Cambodia. Or anyone wanting to understand the country.

[Brendan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very academic and detailed writing about Cambodia's modern history. I had no idea after Pol Pot's savagery he just kept living near the Thai border and the Khmer Rouge continued to field candidates in elections? What?

[Nathan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read on modern Cambodia. One of the best reads on the post Pol Pot years that I have encountered. I only wish that my E-Book had included the 2020 update (Cambodia: From Pol Pot to Hun Sen and Beyond Paperback).

[Davis Florick · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book overall.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on Cambodia's modern political landscape and players.

[Sam S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

Fascinating look into the Sihanouk-Pol Pot-DRK-Hun Sen periods.