Blowback S5 Episode 9 - "Le Cercle Rouge"
Feb 7, 2025
This discussion dives into the tumultuous end of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and the complex geopolitics that followed. It highlights Prince Noradam Sihanouk's desperate attempts for freedom while navigating international diplomacy. The aftermath of the Khmer Rouge's regime is examined, detailing the struggles of reconstruction and the U.S. tactics supporting a Khmer Rouge resurgence. The podcast also explores the harrowing refugee crisis at the Thai-Cambodian border and the chaotic rise of warlords amid calls for justice.
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Sihanouk's Defection Attempt
- In 1979, Prince Sihanouk, freed from house arrest, was tasked by Pol Pot to condemn Vietnam at the UN.
- Despite publicly supporting Pol Pot's external policies, Sihanouk secretly sought asylum in the U.S.
Sino-American Alliance
- The U.S. and China, once adversaries, formed a pact against Vietnam.
- This alliance aimed to support the Khmer Rouge's return, marking a significant shift in geopolitical dynamics.
Vietnam's Occupation
- Vietnam's occupation of Cambodia was largely welcomed by Cambodians, contrary to Khmer Rouge expectations.
- The Vietnamese began dismantling Khmer Rouge systems and establishing a new government.