ABSTRACT
The publication of Cambodia's First Socio-economic Development Plan, (fsedp) 1996–2000 is a significant event representing a major step in the country's re-emergence from Pol Pot's Killing Fields and long years of civil war. Moreover, the document is, technically speaking, a competent, realistic product, crafted by Cambodia's donors, to put that unfortunate country back on the road to reconstruction and sustainable development. Technical quality aside, however, Cambodia is bedevilled by deep-rooted political, cultural and historical problems which cast serious doubts about future prospects. Indeed, precisely because these problems remained unresolved, and in particular because the donors assume that aid alone can save Cambodia, the country could, once again, slide back into chaos and civil war. Before sustainable development can take hold in Cambodia, its history, culture and political legacies need to be analysed realistically, and the lessons of the past must be effectively incorporated into its development strategy. This is a small contribution towards that end.
