Khmer Republic Research Articles

Choreographing neutrality: dance in Cambodia’s Cold War diplomacy in Asia, 1953–1970

ABSTRACT This article examines the role of dance in Cambodia’s Cold War diplomacy in Asia from 1953 up until the establishment of the Khmer Republic in 1970. It explores how Sihanouk leveraged Cambodian dances to enact Cambodia’s neutral stance during the Cold War and forge cordial relations with other Asian states. Through an examination of the myriad of dance performances of the Royal Ballet and other Khmer dance troupes within the context of Cambodia’s diplomatic relations in Asia, this paper demonstrates how dance afforded a space for Inter-Asia referencing amidst the Cold War tension in the region. Premised on an interdisciplinary approach, this paper underscores dance as an active political space where two historical phenomena merged: decolonisation/nation-building and the Cold War. In doing so, it places dance as inevitably entangled with diplomatic history and sheds light on its role in reifying the newly constructed, albeit nebulous, national identity of postcolonial Cambodia.

Subaltern soldiers: Overshadowed Bunong highlanders in the Khmer Republic's army, 1970–75

Little is known about Cambodia's highland minorities during the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the Khmer Rouge and Vietnamese communists were infiltrating their homelands on the ground and American bombers attacking them from the sky. When inhabitants of the northeastern regions are mentioned in histories about the Khmer Rouge's coming to power, it is mainly as bodyguards of Pol Pot, who represented them as remnants of an uncorrupted ‘primitive democracy’. However, stories heard in the highlands raise different narratives, notably those of Bunong men and their families who left Mondulkiri province for Phnom Penh, where they enlisted in the weak pro-American Khmer Republic's army. These stories, told by the few who survived the mission and by the many who lost relatives to it, complicate the history of this convoluted period by bringing to light the Bunongs’ previously unmentioned involvement within the Forces Armées Nationales Khmères. Neither visceral rebels, nor unconditional allies, these Cambodian highlanders were and still are complex actors, whose engagements constitute a much-needed disturbance of dominant (historical) records.

The relational archive of the Khmer Republic (1970–1975): re-visiting the ‘coup’ and the ‘civil war’ in Cambodia through written sources

ABSTRACT If there is a period in Cambodia’s history that has been overlooked and disparaged, it is certainly the republican one (1970–1975). The Khmer Republic is often viewed as a corrupt, incompetent regime – an interregnum doomed to failure. This article revisits this narrative through currently available written sources. It argues that a cultural approach to the existing records helps us understand how such a negative view, still prevailing today, was discursively constructed. The analysis of the interpretations of a range of protagonists, observers and academics contributes to a critical historiography that might challenge assumptions and clichés about the Republic. This implies a re-working of the ‘republican archive’, a multiform and scattered body that presents a structural imbalance due to the discrepancy between the limited sources coming from the Republic itself and the significant amount of US records. The article reassembles these archival materials. It proposes a different reading of these documents in terms of discipline. It suggests that this might be the first step towards reassessing the Republic and the two dominant themes of that period: the overthrow of head of state, Prince Norodom Sihanouk, in 1970 (which marked the end of the monarchy) and the civil war.

The Khmer Rouge, Ritual and Control

On April 17th 1975 the communist party of Cambodia, the Khmer Rouge, took power and evacuated the cities forcing citizens into the countryside while killing many in an attempt to eradicate members of the previous government of the Khmer Republic, as well as former soldiers, intellectuals, and artists. The Khmer Rouge employed various tactics to increase their power during this time including the elimination of ritual practices such as dance dramas, family ceremonies, and religious activities. Drawing upon memoirs, autobiographies, and other sources as well as structural ritualisation theory these developments are analysed using the concepts of strategic deritualisation and strategic ritualisation. After the elimination of important rituals the Khmer Rouge implemented new propaganda based rituals in an attempt to instill their beliefs into the minds of peasants and youth while creating a debilitating fear in the previous city dwellers. These rituals included attending speeches, singing emotionally charged revolutionary songs, and attending dance dramas depicting the glory of the revolution and its leader “Angkar.” Implications of the study are discussed especially in regard to the role ritual dynamics can play in social control and extremist (sometimes genocidal) regimes.

Rewriting National History during the period of the Khmer Republic (1970-75): focusing on Politics and Media after the regime change

This study examines how Cambodia’s history was rewritten during the period of the Khmer Republic (1970－75), after a coup d’état led to a transition from a monarchical to a republican form of government, and the war against Norodom Sihanouk and the Khmer communists (Khmer Rouge) supported by North Vietnam intensified. A diffusion of historical discourses by the government was essential to uphold the fighting spirit and claim legitimacy for the new government.

ROLE OF THE CHINESE OVERSEAS IN THE HISTORY OF CAMBODIA IN THE XX BEGINNING OF THE XXI CENTURIES

The article is dedicated to the description of the role of Chinese immigrants and descendants of such immigrants in the historical development of the Khmer state throughout the XX beginning of the XXI centuries. The analysis covers the dynamics of Chinese immigration to Cambodia, the characteristics of the development of Chinese diaspora in this country, and the peculiarities of interaction between the Chinese Overseas and the local population. The article covers the specifics of livelihood and of activities of the Chinese Overseas in Cambodia during the colonial period of its history before 1953, and also during the period after its independence: in the times of existence of the Kingdom of Cambodia (1953-1970), under the political regime of the Khmer Republic (1970-1975), in the years of existence of the Democratic Kampuchea (1975-1979), during the decade after the proclamation of the People's Republic of Kampuchea (1979-1989), under the government of the State of Cambodia (1989-1993), and finally after the restoration of the Kingdom of Cambodia in 1993. The article includes a number of conclusions regarding the role of the Chinese Overseas in the history of Cambodia during different periods of the XX beginning of the XXI centuries. Particularly, it is shown that their position in the history of this country practically during the whole analyzed period has been quite ambivalent. On the one hand, the Chinese Overseas have become pioneers of capitalistic development in Cambodia in the first half of the XX century, on the other hand, the attitude of the Khmer population of the country and of the various governments towards them has often been somewhat suspicious, and during certain years even hostile. These kinds of contradictions determined the importance of writing this article.

The Teaching of Foreign Languages in Cambodia: A Historical Perspective

The teaching of foreign languages in Cambodia is examined in the light of its recent history. The paper describes the French colonial period, beginning in 1863, the emergence of the independent state under King Sihanouk (1953–70), the Khmer Republic (1970–75) and Democratic Kampuchea (1975–79), during which the infamous mass killings took place, the period of Vietnamese and Russian dominance (1979–89), the new transitional State of Cambodia (1989–93), and the contemporary period. The status of foreign language teaching in Cambodia is described at each point in time. It has been useful to take a historical perspective in the first instance because Cambodians have great difficulty finding out about their past. In fact the compilation of a short written account of language teaching such as this, based on the remaining documents, can be very informative, given the destruction of documents that occurred in the reign of the Communist Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot and the execution of the educated classes. Given our interest in the teaching of foreign languages, it is essential to take a historical perspective in any case, since the causes of problems which are now faced by Cambodian teachers of English are so clearly rooted in the events of the recent past.

Hemoglobin E and Glucose-6-Phosphate Deficiency in the Khmer Air Force (Cambodia) *

This study was designed to investigate the use of primaquine in malaria control in the Khmer Republic (Cambodia). Blood was drawn from 106 male Khmer Air Force troops for analysis of hemoglobin E and glucose-6-phosphate (G-6-PD) deficiency. A test group of 15 men with G-6-PD deficiency and a group of 31 normal controls were given 15 mg of primaquine each morning for 14 days. The patients were followed for hemoglobinuria and changes in hematocrit. Primaquine induced a significant, but not a dangerous, hemolysis in G-6pD-deficient Khmer troops. The G-6-PD deficiency seen in Khmer Air Force subjects was G-6-PD Mahidol. Statistically, G-6-PD Mahidol was linked to hemoglobin E.

The Economic Scene: An Overview

The U.N. Economic Commission for and the Pacific includes among the nations of Eastern South Asia Brunei, Burma, Indonesia, the Khmer Repub lic, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. To attempt to survey economic developments in a region so heterogeneous?ethnically, poli tically and geographically?may seem a rash undertaking. The hardcore of the region undoubtedly lies in the ASEAN states, a grouping of five Southeast Asian nations apparently determined to pursue the mixed market road to economic development and integrate themselves into the world economy. Quite distinct from the ASEAN members is the newly emergent Indochinese group ing of Kampuchea, Laos and a unified Vietnam. These countries are apparently committed to some variant of the Marxist model of economic and social development although it is still unclear whether they will adopt the Moscow or Maoist line or endeavour to evolve a distinct version of their own. Equally unclear is the extent to which these three countries will wish to co-operate economically and otherwise with one another, with the rest of the communist world, with the other developing nations of Asia, and with the Western industrial nations. On the western fringe of the region Burma remains obstinately aloof, apparently still reluctant to engage in open economic and trade relations with any other power. The costs of this iso lation are the stagnation of a once prosperous export economy and growing political unrest and alienation among the educated youth. Partly an economic survey and partly an attempt to speculate on future eco nomic developments in the region as a whole, this article begins with a brief survey of economic developments in the ASEAN countries, and follows this with a dis cussion of events in Indochina and Burma (a difficult task as the data limitations are formidable). The more speculative part of the paper discusses some of the pressing longer-term economic problems that affect all nations of the region, re gardless of political orientation. These include the closely related issues of poverty, unemployment and maldistribution of income and wealth and the problem of dependency, or the degree to which the various economies must integrate them selves into the world economy in order to achieve any real progress.

Area Handbook for the Khmer Republic (Cambodia). By Donald P. Whitaker et al. Foreign Area Studies. The American University. (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, D.A. Pam 550-50, 1973. Pp. 387. $4.10 domestic postpaid.)

Area Handbook for the Khmer Republic (Cambodia). By Donald P. Whitaker et al. Foreign Area Studies. The American University. (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, D.A. Pam 550-50, 1973. Pp. 387. $4.10 domestic postpaid.) - Volume 70 Issue 1

Area Handbook for the Khmer Republic (Cambodia). By Donald P. Whitaker et al. Foreign Area Studies. The American University. (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, D.A. Pam 550-50, 1973. Pp. 387. $4.10 domestic postpaid.)

Area Handbook for the Khmer Republic (Cambodia). By Donald P. Whitaker et al. Foreign Area Studies. The American University. (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, D.A. Pam 550-50, 1973. Pp. 387. $4.10 domestic postpaid.)

CCOP technical bulletin

The Committee for Coordination of Joint Prospecting for Mineral Resources in Asian Offshore Areas (CCOP) was established in 1966 as an intergovernmental body under the sponsorship of the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE). CCOP's main function is the promotion and coordination of planning and implementation of offshore geophysical and other prospecting projects on the marine shelves of the member countries, presently comprising Indonesia, Japan, the Khmer Republic, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Republic of Viet Nam, and Thailand.In 1968 the first volume of the CCOP Technical Bulletin was issued to publish scientific studies relating to marine geology and offshore prospecting for mineral resources, particularly accounts and detailed reports of the results of offshore surveys conducted through the medium of CCOP.

Dissemination of the Geneva Conventions: Khmer Republic – Norway – Togo

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ICRC President in the German Democratic Republic – Asian sub-continent – Khmer Republic – Laos – Republic of Vietnam – Delegate-General on mission in Africa – Uganda – Middle East – Dominican Republic – Paraguay – Uruguay

At the invitation of the National Society and authorities of the German Democratic Republic, Mr. Marcel A. Naville, accompanied by Mr. Melchior Borsinger, Delegate-General for Europe, was in East Germany from 14 to 21 October 1972.

Disaster Preparedness and Relief Assistance Institute

In Manila a seminar organized by the Philippine National Red Cross in co-operation with the League of Red Cross Societies was held from 7 to 16 May 1972. The League was represented by Mr. R. M. Pierpont, Under Secretary-General and Head of Relief Section; Mr. K. J. Seevaratnam, Regional Officer for Asia; and Mr. Sven Lampell. Delegates from the National Societies of the following countries took part: Australia, Ceylon, Great Britain, Indonesia, Japan, the Khmer Republic, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the United States. One of the highlights of this Institute was the participation for the first time in a Red Cross regional meeting of Governmental and non-Governmental Agencies.

Mission to Asia – Khmer Republic – Republic of Vietnam – Near East – Malawi – El Salvador – Venezuela

From 4 March to 9 April 1972, Mr. Jean Ott, ICRC Delegate-General for Asia and Oceania, made a trip which took him to Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, the Republic of Vietnam, the Khmer Republic, Hong Kong and Japan. In all the countries he visited, Mr. Ott was received by Red Cross leaders, and in six of them by government authorities.

Khmer Republic – Republic of Vietnam – Zaire – Middle East – Yemen Arab Republic

Doctor-delegate visits camps.—Early in 1972, the ICRC doctor-delegate in the Khmer Republic made a general round of visits to refugee camps at Phnom-Penh, together with representatives of the Khmer Health Sub-Committee. Some 32 camps situated in the Khmer capital were thus visited and the doctor-delegate enquired into the organization of the medical treatment of the refugees. Six camps are visited daily by the municipal health mobile unit, while the other camps, which are in charge of a nurse, are visited every 2 or 3 days.

The President of the ICRC in Latin America – Near East – Yemen Arab Republic – Khmer Republic – Republic of Vietnam – Southern Africa

From 27 November to 3 December 1970, the President of the ICRC, Mr. Marcel A. Naville, accompanied by Mr. Pierre Basset, Assistant Director, and Mr. Serge Nessi, Delegate-General for Latin America, was in Nicaragua for the Ninth Inter-American Red Cross Conference, the report on which is given below. On route to Managua, Mr. Naville stopped in Venezuela and Panama.

The Khmer Republic: That Was the Cambodia That Was

N ineteen Seventy was of course the most eventful year in the history of modern Cambodia. The period was highlighted by these major events: first and foremost, Prince Norodom Sihanouk, the nation's leader and its leading figure for 29 years, was ousted and went to China. The monarchy itself was removed, and Cambodia has become the Khmer Republic. Second, the post-Sihaniouk leadership demanded the removal from Cambodia of the North Vietnamese and NLF-VC forces, which for years had made relatively unhampered use of portions of the national territory bordering on Laos and South Vietnam. This led shortly to widened Vietnamese military operations within Cambodia-to such an extent that within a few weeks after Sihanouk's removal the security of the state-and of Phnom Penh-seemed under imminent threat. In this environment, the United States undertook an unprecedented and direct twowmonth intervention of US ground forces in Cambodia-a step that was accompanied by widespread domestic furor among Americans. Other powers too became indirectly and directly involved. In May, at the instance of Indonesia, a conference of eleven Asian nations including Japan assembled in Djakarta to discuss Cambodia and possible ways of restoring relative peace to the country. In addition, Thailand and South Vietnam resumed diplomatic relations with Phnom Penh, and forms of Cambodian military cooperation with both were undertaken. By June 30, American forces had left Cambodia, but by the end of the year President Nixon asked Congress for funds to undertake a fairly large-scale economic and military assistance effort there. The amount requested for 1970-71 alone (approximately $284 million) is almost as large as the total of US aid provided to Cambodia during the entire previous period of US assistance, i.e., from 1955-65.1

The Khmer Republic: That Was the Cambodia That Was

The Khmer Republic: That Was the Cambodia That Was