The deterioration of Cambodia’s ‘python regime’
The optimism I sensed in Cambodia in 2015 was cautious at best, notes analyst Martha Bayles. But among young people, at least, it was contagious enough that, when rumors began… Read more »
Category: Cambodia
Cambodia’s Descent: ruling party was ‘never committed to genuine democratic process’
The United States has called on Cambodia to reverse steps that “backtracked on democracy” before a general election next year, Reuters reports: “We are advising that these steps that… Read more »
Cambodia, Vietnam highlight ‘troubling reality of Southeast Asia’s democratic recession’
The Trump administration announced Wednesday it will restrict visas for Cambodians “undermining democracy” in the Southeast Asian nation following the dissolution of the main opposition party and a crackdown… Read more »
‘World’s Newest One-Party State’: Beijing backs Cambodia’s crackdown
Sweden said on Tuesday it was stopping new aid for Cambodia after the main opposition party was outlawed by the Supreme Court at the government’s request….. But Western donors have… Read more »
Southeast Asia’s ’emboldened’ strongmen look to China in setback to democracy
Chinese leaders have long sought to present themselves as equals to American presidents. Xi Jinping has wanted something more: a special relationship that sets China apart, as the other great… Read more »
Call to reconvene Paris Conference as Cambodian PM says opposition will be dissolved
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (left) said on Monday it was “a fact” that the main opposition party would be dissolved as he spoke on the anniversary of the peace… Read more »
Rejecting ‘Western’ democracy, China’s Xi consolidates power with new ideology
China’s President Xi Jinping has created his own political ideology, in a step towards entrenching his position at the top of the Communist Party. Top officials have made multiple… Read more »
China’s Plan to Buy Influence and Undermine Democracy
To enhance its economic and political clout, China has made substantial inroads across Southeast Asia on the back of multi-billion-dollar infrastructure and investment deals, notes analyst Philip Heijmans. This… Read more »
Hun Sen tightens hold on power as Cambodia pivots to Beijing
Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia has been in power for more than 30 years. He recently vowed to stay in power and resist foreign interference. Authorities in the country arrested… Read more »
China exploits vulnerability of open democracies
Openness, diversity and tolerance are the greatest strengths of the world’s liberal democracies. But to autocratic regimes like China, these same attributes are vulnerabilities ripe for exploitation. As reported by… Read more »