Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast Episode 136 - The Khmer Rouge Part 4: The Fall
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Jan 4, 2021 Explore the dramatic conclusion of the Khmer Rouge era, where Vietnam's military intervention reshapes Cambodian history. Uncover the complex interactions between Vietnam, China, and Cambodia, revealing the shocking aftermath discovered by soldiers. Witness the rise of guerrilla warfare and the psychological impact on troops. Delve into the final years of Pol Pot, filled with betrayal and the quest for justice through trials. The narrative is rich with intrigue, highlighting the human and political costs of a turbulent past.
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Purges Broke Cambodia's Military Backbone
- Pol Pot's purge of trained officers destroyed conventional command and control within Cambodia's army.
- That institutional void turned the Khmer Rouge into uncoordinated factional militias, unsuitable for state defense.
Raids That Triggered Vietnam's Response
- Khmer Rouge raids targeted undefended Vietnamese villages, killing civilians and burning homes before withdrawing.
- These atrocities prompted Vietnam's decisive punitive invasions after repeated border massacres.
Failed Gamble On Punitive Diplomacy
- Vietnam initially hoped a limited punitive strike would force negotiations rather than full invasion.
- Pol Pot's denial and propaganda turned the situation into full-scale war instead.