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

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.

How would you react to being forced out of your home at gunpoint,  ordered to leave all of your belongings behind, and instructed to walk for days, weeks and months, to an unknown fate in the countryside? And that is just the beginning of the nightmare. ​ The first episode of the series is intended to be a very basic introduction to the the complex set of circumstances that Cambodia faced midway through the 1970s. ​The conquest of Cambodia by the Communist Party of Kampuchea, known to the world as the Khmer Rouge, would usher in one of the most destructive and murderous regimes of the 20th century. This limited series is an attempt to provide a detailed narrative history of Cambodia, with a focus on explaining the rise of the Khmer Rouge and the reasons why their utopian visions ended with more than one quarter of the population dying in just under four years. More than two million Cambodians, as well as various ethnic minorities, will perish at the hands of their own government. Explaining this story requires time, research and explanation of historical forces in Cambodia as well as the wider world. Not just dates, numbers and names. Join Lachlan Peters, a long-time student of Cambodian history as he shares the story of one of the most fascinating countries in the world, and the long path toward its darkest period.   Sources Pin Yathay Stay Alive My Son David Chandler A History of Cambodia and Voices From S-21 Philip Short Pol Pot: History of a Nightmare Roland Neveu The Fall of Phnom Penh Elizabeth Becker When the War Was Over