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

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

How will the forces of Imperialism and Colonialism come to the region of Indochina? What role will Europeans play in shaping what will eventually become the state of Cambodia? Time period covered: 1500 - 1825 Cambodia’s transitionary period will also see the start of European influence in the region. What did these early encounters look like? The ridiculous story of Ruiz and Veloso, two ‘adventurers’ from Spain and Portugal who attempt to take over the country is relayed. Lachlan also spends some time introducing what the larger forces of colonialism looked like around the globe at this time. The attention then shifts to France as we look to foreshadow the coming imposition of control from Europe that will culminate in ‘French Indochina’ being eventually established. The story of Pierre De Behaine, a French missionary stationed in Vietnam, is told as we look to set up the long and tangential relationship between Vietnam and France. The period of conflict within Vietnam and the eventual unification of that kingdom by Emperor Gia Long – with help from the aforementioned missionary – is also related to Cambodian history, particularly the infamous Cambodian folktale of ‘the master’s tea’; a story about Vietnamese cruelty to the Khmer that can still be heard today. Sources Briggs, L.P. ‘Spanish Intervention in Cambodia’, T'oung Pao, Second Series, Vol. 39, 1950 David Chandler A History of Cambodia Alex Hinton Why Did They Kill?  Support https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/support.html

Explore the transition of Cambodia from the dominant Khmer Empire to a vassal state, the establishment of Penom Pen as the capital, the complex historical relationship between Vietnam and Cambodia, the geopolitical challenges faced by Cambodia, the living conditions in ancient Cambodia and resentment towards the Vietnamese, the legend of the Master's Tea symbolizing animosity towards Vietnam, and the fracture between Cambodia and Vietnam in the collapse of democratic Cambodia.

Tom Chandler, senior lecturer at Monash University, discusses the Visualising Angkor project, which creates a virtual simulation of the ancient Cambodian capital, Angkor. He talks about the challenges of animating people and capturing the subtleties of Khmer culture. The use of virtual reality to enhance our understanding of history and historical sites is explored, along with the value of eyewitness accounts for animators.

Explore the impressive architecture of Angkor Wat and the life of Jayavarman VII, the greatest ruler of the Khmer Empire. Learn about the transformation, rather than collapse, of Khmer civilization and the factors that led to it. Dive into the challenges faced by the aquatic city of Angkor and the ultimate decision to abandon it. Delve into the history of Cambodia, including the influence of trade and invasions, and challenge the notion of Angkor's decline.

This podcast explores the rise of the Khmer Empire and the development of the Khmer civilization in Cambodia. It discusses the cultural influences from India and China, the establishment of early cities, and the ingenious water management methods that supported Khmer society and architecture. The episode ends at the reign of Yasovarman and the construction of Phnom Bakheng and the vast baray, just before the peak of the civilization.