S2 Ep3: The Khmer Rouge's New Vanguard

Elizabeth Becker's "When the War Was Over" offers a comprehensive account of the Cambodian genocide, focusing on the Khmer Rouge's reign of terror. The book details the regime's brutal policies, its systematic extermination of its perceived enemies, and the devastating consequences for the Cambodian people. Becker provides firsthand accounts from survivors, shedding light on the experiences of those who lived through the genocide. She examines the international response to the crisis and the challenges faced by Cambodia in its post-conflict recovery. The book is a powerful and moving testament to the resilience of the Cambodian people and a stark reminder of the horrors of genocide.

Ben Kiernan's "How Pol Pot Came to Power" meticulously traces the rise of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. The book examines the political, social, and ideological factors that contributed to their ascent. Kiernan analyzes the Khmer Rouge's organizational structure, their strategies for gaining popular support, and their eventual seizure of power. He explores the role of external forces, such as the Vietnam War, in shaping the Cambodian conflict. The book provides a detailed account of the Khmer Rouge's early years and their transformation from a small revolutionary group into a brutal regime.

David Chandler's "Brother Number One" offers a comprehensive biography of Pol Pot, the leader of the Khmer Rouge. The book delves into Pol Pot's early life, his rise to power within the Cambodian communist movement, and his role in the Cambodian genocide. Chandler meticulously examines Pol Pot's ideology, his relationships with other key figures, and the factors that contributed to the Khmer Rouge's brutal regime. The book provides a detailed account of the Khmer Rouge's policies and their devastating impact on Cambodian society. Chandler's work is considered a seminal contribution to the understanding of the Cambodian genocide and the complexities of Pol Pot's leadership.

This book by David P. Chandler provides a detailed and poignant account of Cambodian history from World War II to 1979. It focuses on the civil war period and the devastating revolutionary excesses of the Pol Pot regime. Chandler draws on his experience as a foreign service officer in Phnom Penh, interviews, and archival material to analyze why the revolution happened and its relation to Cambodia’s earlier history and other events in Southeast Asia. The book explores the roles of significant leaders such as Prince Sihanouk, Lon Nol, and Pol Pot, and how their actions contributed to the tragedy of Khmer history. It is praised for its meticulous attention to sources and detail, making it a cornerstone for studying Cambodia.