

S5 Episode 1 - "The Wolves Are Closing In"
35 snips Sep 20, 2024
Dive into Cambodia's turbulent history, exploring the catastrophic rise of the Khmer Rouge and the U.S. involvement during the Vietnam War. Discover pivotal moments that shaped foreign policy, and how past alliances continue to affect modern geopolitics. Personal stories highlight the lasting trauma from the conflict, while the complex dynamics of U.S.-China relations unravel. The narrative is enriched by reflective insights into the ongoing struggles from Cambodia's war legacy, offering a fresh perspective on a neglected chapter of Southeast Asian history.
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US Involvement in Indochina
- The podcast opens with a historical overview of US involvement in Indochina, starting with the Gulf of Tonkin incident.
- It highlights President Johnson's private doubts about the attack's veracity and the subsequent secret bombing of Cambodia.
Cambodia's Tragedy
- This season of Blowback explores Cambodia's tragic fate during the Cold War.
- It examines how political expediency led to the country's devastation and the rise of the Khmer Rouge.
US-China Relations
- The podcast examines the historical shift in the US-China relationship.
- It contrasts the current aggressive US policy with the 1970s cooperation, facilitated by Nixon and Kissinger.