In the Shadows of Utopia: The Khmer Rouge and the Cambodian Nightmare

Explore the gripping tale of Cambodia's fight for independence amidst the chaos of the First Indochina War. King Sihanouk emerges as a controversial figure, advocating for freedom while facing immense challenges from colonial powers and rising communism. Witness the shocking shift of students morphing into revolutionaries, shaped by unique experiences in clandestine camps. Delve into the complexities of Sihanouk's political maneuvers, as he navigates alliances and envisions a future for a nation ravaged by conflict.

Explore the fascinating transformation of Saloth Sar in Paris, influenced by rising communism and the complex climate of post-colonial Cambodia. Discover the profound impact of the Mai Trac Massacre on nationalist sentiments and the early stirrings of the Khmer Rouge’s ideology. Delve into the international tensions of the Cold War and how they shaped the First Indochina War. Uncover the challenges faced by Cambodian leaders in their quest for independence amid ideological divisions, all against a backdrop of global communist influence.

Craig Etcheson is currently visiting scientist at Harvard’s TH Chan School of Public Health, and he was a founder of the Documentation Centre of Cambodia, he has been studying the Khmer Rouge regime for more than thirty years. He worked as an investigator of the prosecution at the ECCC between 2006-2012, and testified at the tribunal as an expert witness. He recently published a book titled "Extraordinary Justice: Law, Politics, and the Khmer Rouge Tribunals" and in this conversation we get into some of the complexities involved in this ‘experiment’ as he puts it, including the shortcomings of the tribunal, government interference, as well as the status of the cases still being heard.

Discover the vibrant anti-colonial scene in Cambodia as nationalist sentiments rise amid the fight against French rule. Meet key figures like Pol Pot, who experiences a political awakening in Paris, and the diverse Khmer Issarak movement that challenges colonialism. Explore cultural practices intertwined with tribal tales and the challenges faced by Cambodian revolutionaries. From the beauty of Paris to the complexities of identity, this captivating narrative uncovers the roots of a nation on the brink of tumultuous change.

Discover the tumultuous events in Cambodia during World War II as nationalism surges amidst colonial struggles. Learn about Prince Norodom Sihanouk’s surprising rise to the throne at just 19. Delve into the Umbrella Revolt, where monks led protests against French rule, igniting fierce anti-colonial sentiments. Explore the contrasting experiences of Cambodia and Vietnam under French control. Witness the emergence of the Viet Minh and their declaration of independence, reshaping the region's political landscape radically.

How do you build a society out of the theories of Marx and Engels? Who was Lenin and why is he such an important communist figure? How did communism come to Indochina? Time Period Covered: 1917 - 1939 Beginning with Lenin being sent into the fragile Russian Empire in 1917, this episode is a discussion of the evolution of Marxism from 'theory' to 'practise'. This creates a new version of the 'doctrine': 'Marxism-Leninism'. The Russian Revolution in 1917 represents the entrance of a new civilisation onto the globe, one fuelled by the energy of communism. A young Vietnamese man sees this ideology as a potential way for his country to be freed from colonialism, as do many others. The reign of Lenin gives way to Stalin, and terror, as we expand our vocabulary of 'communism' in order to better understand the actions of the Khmer Rouge. Support https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/support.html

Dive into the revolutionary roots of communism through the influential figures of Marx and Engels. Discover how their critiques of industrial society emerged during the Industrial Revolution. Explore the concept of the proletariat and the powerful ideologies that shaped the Khmer Rouge regime. Hear about the historical backdrop of the Franco-Prussian War and the significance of the Paris Commune in revolutionary movements. This insightful journey reveals the intertwined paths of economics, class struggle, and their implications for society.

What did French control of Cambodia look like? How did this ‘Protectorate’ function? What are the origins of Cambodian nationalism? What was life like for your average Khmer in the early 20th century? Time Period Covered 1880 – 1938 This episode centres around Cambodian history as the French instigate the colonisation of Indochina. We learn about the early reactions to French rule, as well as the treatment of the Khmer by the imperial power and how the 'protectorate' functioned. The murder of the French 'resident' Felix Louis Bardez  in a rural hamlet also prompts a discussion of the culture of the Khmer living in the areas outside of the major towns and cities based on May Ebihara's groundbreaking work. This episode continues detailing the early life of Saloth Sar, and his family, as well as introducing Son Ngoc Thanh, and the first Khmer language newspaper 'Nagaravatta'. Episode Content Map Google Maps Image Sources David Chandler A History of Cambodia Ben Kiernan How Pol Pot Came to Power Philip Short Pol Pot: History of a Nightmare May Ebihara Svay: A Khmer Village in Cambodia

What happened in the years leading up the French colonisation of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam? How did Cambodian rulers become so dependent on either Siam or Vietnam for protection?   Time period covered: 1789 - 1887 In this episode, Lachlan bridges the gap between Cambodia’s ‘middle period’ and the dawn of French colonisation of Indochina. Beginning with the French revolution and its links with the eventual Khmer Rouge revolution, we then explore the imposition of Vietnamese control on Cambodia in the 19th century, as well as the story of a French naturalist who visited the region. The episode ends with the different ways in which the French conquered Cambodia and Vietnam. The story of Cambodia’s ‘years of calamity’ and the influence of this period on the psyche of a country dominated by the ascendant Siam and Vietnam is explored. We even have an introduction to the early years of Saloth Sar, otherwise known as Pol Pot. Sources David Chandler A History of Cambodia Henri Mouhot Travels in Siam, Cambodia and Laos Philip Short Pol Pot: History of a Nightmare Support https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/support.html

Professor David Chandler is perhaps the most widely recognised and respected scholar of Cambodian history. Author of books such as A History of Cambodia, Brother Number One, Voices from S-21 and The Tragedy of Cambodian History, David has also testified as an expert witness on two occasions during the trial of former leaders of the Khmer Rouge.  I had the privilege to sit down with Professor Chandler in his home in Melbourne to discuss ideas about the current state of Khmer Rouge historiography, his thoughts on the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, whether the crimes of the CPK can be considered 'genocide', and his experience visiting the country so soon after it 're-opened' in 1981.  David was until recently a Professor Emeritus at Monash University, where I first met him in 2011. Support https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/support.html