In the Shadows of Utopia

How does the "Vietnam War" begin? How did the Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK) get its name? Why did Sihanouk start making so many movies in the 1960's? Time Period Covered 1964 - 1967 In this episode, Lachlan revisits Vietnam as LBJ wages war upon the North and the Viet Cong. Pol Pot leaves the jungle to visit Hanoi, and Beijing, and changes the direction of Khmer Communism. Meanwhile, in Cambodia, Sihanouk begins losing his magic touch as various quarters become less enamoured with his policies. The Cambodian Civil War approaches, as the war in Vietnam begins to spread. Sources Philip Short Pol Pot: History of a Nightmare David Chandler The Tragedy of Cambodian History & Brother Number One Ben Kiernan How Pol Pot Came to Power Milton Osbourne Sihanouk Steve Heder Cambodian Communism and the Vietnamese Model Edward Miller The Vietnam War Mark Atwood Lawrence A Concise History of the Vietnam War Democratic Kampuchea Livre Noir

Who was Nuon Chea? What does Buddhism have to do with Khmer Rouge ideology? Why did Sihanouk sever ties with the United States?   Time Period Covered 1963 - 1965 In this episode we explore the impact of the fateful year of 1963 in Cambodia, as well as the circumstances that the new Cambodian communist leadership were dealing with in the Vietnamese jungle. We also look at the difference between two influential future leaders of Democratic Kampuchea; Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea, as they play quite different roles for the organisation. This episode also explores the relationship between Theravada Buddhist language, grammar and thought and the way this was utilised by the Khmer Rouge to transplant communist ideas into Cambodian minds. Finally, the episode concludes by explaining the reasons surrounding Sihanouk's distancing from the US and eventual cutting off of US aid and relations between the two countries. Sources Philip Short Pol Pot: History of a Nightmare David Chandler The Tragedy of Cambodian History & Brother Number One Ben Kiernan How Pol Pot Came to Power Milton Osbourne Sihanouk Steve Heder Cambodian Communism and the Vietnamese Model Norodom Sihanouk My War with the CIA Show Content https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/dramatis-personae.html 

What is Agent Orange and why did the Kennedy Administration decide to use it?    How did Diem's Regime collapse?   What was the Buddhist Crisis? Time Period Covered 1961 - 1963 In the final part of our exploration into the beginnings of the "Vietnam War", we look at the circumstances surrounding the early Kennedy years and how a 'prudent' approach to South Vietnam resulted in a number of problems, both immediate and in the future. We look in depth at Operation Ranch Hand, the decision to use defoliants in South Vietnam, as well as how the Diem Regime becomes a no longer viable partner for the US and their wider strategic interests. We explain the Buddhist Crisis and the self-immolation of Quang Duc and the competing visions of a new South Vietnam. Finally the coup against Diem, Kennedy's assassination as well as the return of Pol Pot to the jungles of Vietnam represents a new chapter in the coming historical hurricane. Sources Christopher Goscha Vietnam: A New History Fredrick Logevall The Embers of War Edward Miller The Vietnam War & Reinterpreting the Buddhist Crisis (Modern Asian Studies November 2015) Neil Sheehan The Pentagon Papers Geoffrey Warner The United States and Vietnam 1945-1965 (International Affairs October 1972) William Buckingham The US Air Force and Herbicides in Southeast Asia Show Content https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/dramatis-personae.html Support https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/support.html

How did a succession of US administrations become stuck in Vietnam?   How did Diem's policies create the conditions for insurgency?   What did the early activities of the NLF look like? Time Period Covered 1954 - 1961 In part two of our exploration of the path to the Second Indochina War, we focus on early American efforts to create a stable regime in South Vietnam. The activities of the CIA and Edward Lansdale in the aftermath of Geneva are used to introduce this relationship, as well as the growing realisation in some quarters that perhaps Diem was not the best person for the job of leading the country. We look at the 'paradox' of Vietnam, why escalation slowly continued in the face of private doubts. NLF operations in the Mekong Delta are discussed from the point of view of those staging these actions, as well as those civilians who were effected by the authoritarianism of Diem and the intimidating tactics of those that wished to overthrow him. Sources Christopher Goscha Vietnam: A New History Fredrick Logevall The Embers of War Edward Miller The Vietnam War Neil Sheehan The Pentagon Papers Geoffrey Warner The United States and Vietnam 1945-1965 (International Affairs October 1972) Show Content https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/dramatis-personae.html Support https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/support.html

What occurred in a divided Vietnam in the aftermath of the Geneva Accords?   How did so many die during the North Vietnamese “Land Reform Campaign”?   Why was South Vietnam described as an ‘emerging fascist state'? Time Period Covered 1954 - 1963 In this first part of a kind of mini-series on the origins of the Vietnam War, Lachlan investigates the state building in the divided Vietnam. Exploring the ideology and benefactors of the separate regimes, we touch upon the thousands of those who died during the efforts to revolutionise the North – as well as similarly draconian methods to consolidate power in the hands of one family in the South. Sources Christopher Goscha Vietnam: A New History Ben Kiernan Viet Nam Edward Miller The Vietnam War Alec Holcombe Mass Mobilisation in the Democratic Republic of Vietnam Show Content https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/dramatis-personae.html Support https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/support.html

How did Pol Pot become leader of the Khmer Rouge?   What did prominent communists like Khieu Samphan do in Sihanouk's Cambodia? Were there limits to Sihanouk's power and tightrope act?   Time Period Covered 1960-1963 We begin with a reflection on how Cambodian history can permeate even seemingly mundane spaces, before looking in on a secret communist seminar led by the new leader of the Khmer Rouge. This episode functions as a revisit of some loose ends left as the Cambodian communists began taking their own steps toward having an independent movement from the Vietnamese, as well as how the roles in that party began taking shape. We learn about the mysterious death of Tuo Samouth, as well as the circumstances that precede the vitally important year of 1963. Apologies for some audio hiccups, this one was recorded in a different location.    Sources Philip Short Pol Pot: History of a Nightmare David Chandler The Tragedy of Cambodian History, Brother Number One, A History of Cambodia Ben Kiernan How Pol Pot Came to Power Milton Osbourne Sihanouk Elizabeth Becker When the War was Over Norodom Sihanouk My War with the CIA Show Content https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/dramatis-personae.html Support https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/support.html

Why was one of the most prominent slogans of the Khmer Rouge about a "super great leap forward"? What is Maoism and why did the People's Republic of China provide a new ideological source for the world? Why did the USSR and the PRC split in the 1960s? Time Period Covered 1949 - 1962 This episode could be considered the third instalment in the history of communist ideology of the series. Lachlan discusses the Chinese Civil War, the People's Republic of China, Mao, Maoism, the circumstances surrounding the Great Leap Forward and it's terrible consequences. This is a brief explanation of the 45 million deaths that occurred in China as a result of government policy. The Chinese communists will provide the Khmer Rouge not only with material and economic aid once they come to power, but also with an ideological framework - a program - that the Cambodians will seek to recapitulate. This is an explanation of that program, as well as another hugely important factor in the coming chaos in Indochina, the ideological schism between the USSR and the PRC known as the Sino-Soviet Split. Sources Philip Short Mao Julia Lovell Maoism: A Global History Richard Baum The Fall and Rise of China Frank Dikotter Mao's Great Famine

How does the Communist Party of Kampuchea form? How does Saloth Sar become a married man and teacher? What are the consequences of Sihanouk's neutral foreign policy? Time Period Covered 1955-1960 As peace broke out over Cambodia in the wake of the First Indochina War, the fledgling communist movement had to learn to survive in a newly independent country under the rule of Prince Norodom Sihanouk. Numbers dwindling and unable to openly resist the government, the ‘revolutionary organisation', as they began calling themselves, found an avenue for recruits in the schools of Phnom Penh. The man who would become Pol Pot became a teacher. Meanwhile, in an attempt to navigate a neutral path for Cambodia in the Cold War era, Sihanouk opens relations with China as well as the United States. This agenda will have consequences, as the CIA begins trying to undermine his government and even seek his removal. The resulting “Bangkok Plot”, a series of conspiracies against him, will be explained. The Khmer Rouge, as Sihanouk had begun calling the communists in his country, will also meet to discuss a new kind of organisation - the Communist Party of Kampuchea. Saloth Sar, Nuon Chea and Ieng Sary will all find themselves in high-ranking positions as the seeds of their revolution are sewn. Sources Philip Short Pol Pot: History of a Nightmare David Chandler The Tragedy of Cambodian History, Brother Number One Ben Kiernan How Pol Pot Came to Power Milton Osbourne Sihanouk Elizabeth Becker When the War was Over Norodom Sihanouk My War with the CIA Peter Froberg Idling Song for an Approaching Storm Craig Etcheson Overview of Hierarchy of Democratic Kampuchea Show Content https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/dramatis-personae.html

This bonus episode is for those who would like to remind themselves of the topics covered in the first season of the podcast, or for new listeners who might want a simple overview of Cambodian history as it relates to the rise and fall of the Khmer Rouge. This is an introduction to the themes of the series as a whole, the aims of the podcast, the Khmer Empire, the conditions relating to Cambodia's modernity and the French colonial period. The growth of nationalism, the events of the Second World War and efforts toward independence, including the early stages of a Cambodian communist movement are also revisited.SupportInterview

How does the First Indochina War end? What do the Geneva Accords mean for Cambodia? Who wins the 1955 Cambodian general election? Time Period Covered December 1953 – July 1955 Cambodia faces Viet Minh assaults around the country as the First Indochina War comes to its climax, but the French will suffer their most stunning defeat at Dien Bien Phu. World powers will convene to find a solution to the conflict. The resulting ‘peace’ will marginalise the Cambodian communist movement at the expense of the Vietnamese one, and Sihanouk will create a new political movement.   Google Maps View of Dien Bien PhuSupport the show Sources Philip Short Pol Pot: History of a Nightmare David Chandler The Tragedy of Cambodian HistoryBen Kiernan How Pol Pot Came to Power Milton Osbourne Sihanouk Christopher Goscha Vietnam: A New History

How does Cambodia become independent in November 1953? What lessons does a young Pol Pot learn in the jungle with the Viet Minh? Time Period Covered January – December 1953 This episode explains the actions of King Sihanouk that one French General declared was ‘that of a madman, but a madman of genius’. Almost out of the blue the Cambodian king will claim independence for his country and end almost a century of French colonial rule. Meanwhile, the First Indochina War will bring its ruin [...]

How did the First Indochina War become part of the Cold War? When did the Khmer students studying in Paris become communists? What influenced Saloth Sar to become a revolutionary? Time Period Covered 1947-1953 This episode explains the way that the first ‘Vietnam War’ began developing into something recognisably part of the Cold War. We also trace the path of the young Pol Pot as his studies in Paris become influenced by a rising influence of communism. Cambodian politics and the return [...]

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, and 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 ge [...]

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, and 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 ge [...]

Who are the Khmer Issarak? How did Pol Pot get to Paris? Time Period Covered 1945-1950 This episode introduces the vitally important era in Cambodian history in the aftermath of the Second World War. Cambodian politics is born as Sihanouk seeks to balance his ambitions with a returning French power and anti-colonial movements like the Viet Minh and Issarak present a formidable response in the countryside. Meanwhile, a young Pol Pot heads to Paris, an environment which will see his path towar [...]

Who are the Khmer Issarak? How did Pol Pot get to Paris? Time Period Covered 1945-1950 This episode introduces the vitally important era in Cambodian history in the aftermath of the Second World War. Cambodian politics is born as Sihanouk seeks to balance his ambitions with a returning French power and anti-colonial movements like the Viet Minh and Issarak present a formidable response in the countryside. Meanwhile, a young Pol Pot heads to Paris, an environment which will see his path towar [...]

How do the events of the Second World War influence Cambodia’s Independence? Why is Prince Norodom Sihanouk put on the throne as a 19-year-old? This episode is an in-depth discussion of the events in Cambodia and Vietnam that occurred once the French presence in Indochina was diminished by Imperial Japan during WWII. Cambodia will briefly become independent amongst the chaos of 1945, but the road to this change will involve a host of different events. Cambodian nationalism becomes a genuine [...]

How do the events of the Second World War influence Cambodia’s Independence? Why is Prince Norodom Sihanouk put on the throne as a 19-year-old? This episode is an in-depth discussion of the events in Cambodia and Vietnam that occurred once the French presence in Indochina was diminished by Imperial Japan during WWII. Cambodia will briefly become independent amongst the chaos of 1945, but the road to this change will involve a host of different events. Cambodian nationalism becomes a genuine [...]

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? Please visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsXeQ4IG4VGTGFWkf-v6poA for the video content. In part two of our discussion of basic communist subjects and history, Lachlan takes us through the formation of the first communist state in the 20th century. We find out what Lenin’s contribution to the ‘Communist Doctrine’ is, a [...]

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? Please visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsXeQ4IG4VGTGFWkf-v6poA for the video content. In part two of our discussion of basic communist subjects and history, Lachlan takes us through the formation of the first communist state in the 20th century. We find out what Lenin’s contribution to the ‘Communist Doctrine’ is, a [...]

An understanding of communist theory is an integral part of trying to explain the Khmer Rouge revolution. In this episode, we look to the beginnings of communism and the views of Karl Marx and Freidrich Engels. How and why did they develop their theory? What role did the industrial revolution play? What are the basics of communism and how did it effect the world in the 19th century? Please visit www.shadowsofutopia.com for more information.  Or follow the show on twitter @khmerutopiaFile [...]

An understanding of communist theory is an integral part of trying to explain the Khmer Rouge revolution. In this episode, we look to the beginnings of communism and the views of Karl Marx and Freidrich Engels. How and why did they develop their theory? What role did the industrial revolution play? What are the basics of communism and how did it effect the world in the 19th century? Please visit www.shadowsofutopia.com for more information.  Or follow the show on twitter @khmerutopiaFile [...]

What did French control of Cambodia look like? How did this ‘Protectorate’ function? What are the origins of Cambodian nationalism? How was life 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 reaction to French rule, as well as the treatment of the Khmer by the imperial power. The assassination of a French official in a rural ham [...]

What did French control of Cambodia look like? How did this ‘Protectorate’ function? What are the origins of Cambodian nationalism? How was life 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 reaction to French rule, as well as the treatment of the Khmer by the imperial power. The assassination of a French official in a rural ham [...]

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 contro [...]

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 contro [...]

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 sat down with David in his home in Melbourne to discuss his ideas about the current state of the history of the Khmer Rouge, his thoughts on the Kh [...]

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 sat down with David in his home in Melbourne to discuss his ideas about the current state of the history of the Khmer Rouge, his thoughts on the Kh [...]

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 als [...]

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 als [...]

How did the Khmer go from a civilisation which dominated most of mainland Southeast Asia, to a reduced vassal state of either the Siamese or the Vietnamese? Why is Phnom Penh the capital rather than Siem Reap? Why are the Vietnamese the ‘hereditary enemy’ of the Khmer? Time period covered: 1431 - 1800 The next part of the series is hugely important for establishing the context of Cambodia in the 20th century, and therefore the factors leading to the Khmer Rouge revolution. The transition [...]

How did the Khmer go from a civilisation which dominated most of mainland Southeast Asia, to a reduced vassal state of either the Siamese or the Vietnamese? Why did the capital move from Angkor? Why are the Vietnamese the ‘hereditary enemy’ of the Khmer? Time period covered: 1431 - 1800 The next part of the series is hugely important for establishing the context of Cambodia in the 20th century, and therefore the factors leading to the Khmer Rouge revolution. The transition of Angkor to Phnom Penh, as well as the relationship that develops between the Khmer and their neighbours in Siam and Vietnam are important aspects of Cambodian history in its ‘dark ages’ or ‘middle period’. In this episode, Lachlan introduces a brief history of Vietnam, as this eastern neighbour will play a vital role in the story of the region in the 20th century and is necessary for a Cambodian History podcast focusing on the Khmer Rouge. Sources David Chandler A History of Cambodia Christopher Goscha Vietnam: A New History Support https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/support.html

How did the Khmer go from a civilisation which dominated most of mainland Southeast Asia, to a reduced vassal state of either the Siamese or the Vietnamese? Why is Phnom Penh the capital rather than Siem Reap? Why are the Vietnamese the ‘hereditary enemy’ of the Khmer? Time period covered: 1431 - 1800 The next part of the series is hugely important for establishing the context of Cambodia in the 20th century, and therefore the factors leading to the Khmer Rouge revolution. The transition [...]

Tom Chandler is a senior lecturer at Monash University. His research has focused upon the design and development of immersive simulations of the past, particularly the medieval Cambodian capital of Angkor. In what is the first interview of the series Lachlan speaks with Tom about how immersive virtual recreations can transform our imagination of the 'skeletal remains' of Angkor. The uses of this research for historians as well as the resources that Tom and his team at the Virtual Angkor Projec [...]

Tom Chandler is a senior lecturer at Monash University. His research has focused upon the design and development of immersive simulations of the past, particularly the medieval Cambodian capital of Angkor. In what is the first interview of the series Lachlan speaks with Tom about how immersive virtual recreations can transform our imagination of the 'skeletal remains' of Angkor. The uses of this research for historians as well as the resources that Tom and his team at the Virtual Angkor Project are discussed, as well as his thoughts on technology and archaeology. Visit https://www.virtualangkor.com/ for more information about the project Tom is building.

Tom Chandler is a senior lecturer at Monash University. His research has focused upon the design and development of immersive simulations of the past, particularly the medieval Cambodian capital of Angkor. In what is the first interview of the series Lachlan speaks with Tom about how immersive virtual recreations can transform our imagination of the 'skeletal remains' of Angkor. The uses of this research for historians as well as the resources that Tom and his team at the Virtual Angkor Projec [...]

How did the largest city in the pre-industrial world function? What was Khmer society like during the ‘golden age’ of Angkor? How did this civilisation falter and fade? Time period covered: 1100 - 1431 Lachlan begins this episode with a discussion of one of the most impressive and famous examples of Khmer architecture; Angkor Wat. The details of this building, and what it meant for the civilisation that could build it. We also learn about the life and times of Jayavarman VII, widely reco [...]

How did the largest city in the pre-industrial world function? What was Khmer society like during the ‘golden age’ of Angkor? How did this civilisation falter and fade? Time period covered: 1100 - 1431 Lachlan begins this episode with a discussion of one of the most impressive and famous examples of Khmer architecture; Angkor Wat. The details of this building, and what it meant for the civilisation that could build it, is explained. We also learn about the life and times of Jayavarman VII, widely recognised as the ‘greatest’ of the Devaraja who lead the Khmer to conquer the greatest extent of territory and build some of its most iconic temples. Zhou Daguan, a Chinese diplomat who visited the region, is discussed as he gives a rare insight into the lives and culture of the Khmer at Angkor somewhere near it's peak. But changes would soon follow. But rather than using words like 'collapse', 'decline' or 'fall' to describe this period of Khmer civilisation, it may be more accurate to term this process as the 'transformation' of a society. The reasons for this transformation, ranging from climate change to religion are discussed. Sources David Chandler A History of Cambodia Zhou Daguan The Customs of Cambodia BBC, ‘Jungle Atlantis: Angkor Wat’s Hidden Megacity’ 2014 Virtual Angkor Project https://www.virtualangkor.com Support https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/support.html

How did the largest city in the pre-industrial world function? What was Khmer society like during the ‘golden age’ of Angkor? How did this civilisation falter and fade? Time period covered: 1100 - 1431 Lachlan begins this episode with a discussion of one of the most impressive and famous examples of Khmer architecture; Angkor Wat. The details of this building, and what it meant for the civilisation that could build it. We also learn about the life and times of Jayavarman VII, widely reco [...]

How did the Khmer civilisation begin? How were they able to prosper to the point of building the megacity of Angkor? Time period covered: 2000 BC – 900 AD In this episode, Lachlan seeks to explain the early processes that developed amongst the Khmer civilisation in and around the region that would eventually become Cambodia. An explanation of the different cultural influences from India and China that would see a kind of hybridised people come to prominence on the Indochinese mainland. [...]

How did the Khmer civilisation begin? How were they able to prosper to the point of building the megacity of Angkor? Time period covered: 2000 BC – 900 AD In this episode, Lachlan seeks to explain the early processes that developed amongst the Khmer civilisation in and around the region that would eventually become Cambodia. This involves an explanation of the different cultural influences from India and China that would see a kind of hybridised people come to prominence on the Indochinese mainland. The story of early Funan and Chenla, as well as the development of the ‘Devaraja cult’; a system where a universal monarch is regarded as a kind of incarnation of a deity is discussed as well as the establishment of the early cities which will become the seat of the vast Khmer Empire. The ingenious methods of water management that will support the kinds of society and architecture the civilisation is famous for is also explained. The episode ends at the reign of Suryavarman and the construction of Phnom Bakheng and the vast baray, in the era just before the ‘peak’ of the civilisation. Sources David Chandler A History of Cambodia Support https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/support.html

How did the Khmer civilisation begin? How were they able to prosper to the point of building the megacity of Angkor? Time period covered: 2000 BC – 900 AD In this episode, Lachlan seeks to explain the early processes that developed amongst the Khmer civilisation in and around the region that would eventually become Cambodia. An explanation of the different cultural influences from India and China that would see a kind of hybridised people come to prominence on the Indochinese mainland. [...]

What happened to Cambodia in the three years, eight months and twenty-one days between April 17th, 1975 and January 7th, 1979? Why was a city once known as the ‘pearl of Southeast Asia’, with a population of more than two million people, ushered – at gunpoint – into an unknown fate in the nation’s countryside? The story of the Khmer Rouge revolution and the devastating human catastrophe that this group brought to an already war torn and fragile land is one that is usually kno [...]

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? ​ This first episode of the series is intended to be a brief introduction into some of the context and themes that are at the centre of this 'Khmer Rouge Podcast' or 'Cambodian Genocide Podcast'. An introduction to the complex set of circumstances that Cambodia faced midway through the 1970s, including internal forces and external, had conspired to engulf the country in chaos, misery and war. But that was just the beginning of the nightmare. ​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 three years, eight months and twenty days. More than two million Cambodians, as well as various ethnic minorities, will perish at the hands of their own government. This story requires time, research and explanation of both historical factors in Cambodia as well as the wider world, and the idea of a journey in time and place between Angkor and Tuol Sleng will be set out methodically. 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 Support https://www.shadowsofutopia.com/support.html

What happened to Cambodia in the three years, eight months and twenty-one days between April 17th, 1975 and January 7th, 1979? Why was a city once known as the ‘pearl of Southeast Asia’, with a population of more than two million people, ushered – at gunpoint – into an unknown fate in the nation’s countryside? The story of the Khmer Rouge revolution and the devastating human catastrophe that this group brought to an already war torn and fragile land is one that is usually kno [...]