To many in the West, the name Cambodia still conjures up indelible images of destruction and death, the legacy of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime and the terror it inflicted in its attempt to create a communist utopia in the 1970s. Sebastian Strangio, a journalist based in the capital city of Phnom Penh, now offers an eye-opening appraisal of modern-day Cambodia in the years following its emergence from bitter conflict and bloody upheaval. In the early 1990s, Cambodia became the focus of the UN’s first great post–Cold War nation-building project, with billions in international aid rolling in to support the fledgling democracy. But since the UN-supervised elections in 1993, the nation has slipped steadily backward into neo-authoritarian rule under Prime Minister Hun Sen. Behind a mirage of democracy, ordinary people have few rights and corruption infuses virtually every facet of everyday life. In this lively and compelling study, the first of its kind, Strangio explores the present state of Cambodian society under Hun Sen’s leadership, painting a vivid portrait of a nation struggling to reconcile the promise of peace and democracy with a violent and tumultuous past.

To many in the West, the word 'Cambodia' still conjures up indelible images of destruction and death: the legacy of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime and the terror it inflicted in its attempt to create a communist Utopia in the mid-1970s. In this highly acclaimed account, Sebastian Strangio offers an updated appraisal of modern-day Cambodia since its emergence from an era of upheaval and bitter conflict. This is a vivid portrait of a nation struggling to reconcile the promises of peace and democracy with a dark and tumultuous past. Book jacket.

"The 67-page report chronicles Hun Sen's career from being a Khmer Rouge commander in the 1970s to his present role as prime minister and head of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP). The report details the violence, repression, and corruption that have characterized his rule under successive governments since 1985"--Publisher's description.

This is the first biography of a leader whose private life has until now been a closely guarded secret. But it is much more than an account of the life of Hun Sen -- it tells through his eyes the story of the emergence through slaughter of an innocent people. Essential reading for all those who are intrigued and bewildered by the complex recent history of Cambodia, and by the rapid rise of its new leader from obscurity to strongman status.

Strongman: The Extraordinary Life of Hun Sen is the biography of the Cambodian leader whose private life has been a closely guarded secret. Fully updated and revised from the authors' first edition (Hun Sen: Strongman of Cambodia, published 1999), this volume is based on recently declassified archival documents and hours of new interviews with Hun Sen, his wife Bun Rany, son Hun Manet, other family members and associates. The book chronicles the life of Hun Sen from obscurity as a pagoda boy to strongman status. It reveals the life of Hun Sen and Bun Rany under the Khmer Rouge regime, their tr.

A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist describes how Cambodia emerged from the harrowing years when a quarter of its population perished under the Khmer Rouge. A generation after genocide, Cambodia seemed on the surface to have overcome its history -- the streets of Phnom Penh were paved; skyscrapers dotted the skyline. But under this façe lies a country still haunted by its years of terror. Although the international community tried to rebuild Cambodia and introduce democracy in the 1990s, in the country remained in the grip of a venal government. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Joel Brinkley learned that almost a half of Cambodians who lived through the Khmer Rouge era suffered from P.T.S.D. -- and had passed their trauma to the next generation. His extensive close-up reporting in Cambodia's Curse illuminates the country, its people, and the deep historical roots of its modern-day behavior.

"Hun Sen: The dynasty of power"offers an in-depth look into the life and legacy of one of the world's most enduring leaders. For over four decades, Hun Sen has been at the helm of Cambodia, guiding the nation through its recovery from the ravages of war and into the complexities of modern governance. This biography provides a detailed account of Hun Sen's journey from a young guerrilla fighter against the Khmer Rouge to becoming the Prime Minister of Cambodia. It examines the significant milestones and controversial decisions that have marked his rule, shedding light on his strategies for maintaining power and fostering national development. Readers will gain a nuanced understanding of the political, economic, and diplomatic challenges Hun Sen has faced and the ways in which he has navigated them. The book delves into the delicate balance between authoritarian control and democratic aspirations, the pursuit of economic growth amid persistent poverty, and the intricacies of Cambodia's international relations, particularly its ties with China and the broader geopolitical landscape. "HUn Sen: The dynasty of power " is a compelling narrative that captures the essence of Hun Sen's leadership and the impact of his policies on the Cambodian people. It is an essential read for anyone interested in contemporary Southeast Asian politics, leadership, and the story of a nation striving for progress under a complex and controversial figure. This book not only chronicles the events of Hun Sen's tenure but also offers insight to the broader socio-political context of Cambodia, making it a valuable resource for understanding the forces that shape this fascinating country.