ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an introductory look back at three matters essential to an understanding of the Cambodian revolutions: the history of imperial and colonial institutions in Cambodia; the status of Cambodia's pre-1970 image as a jungle paradise; and the role the Khmer peasantry plays in Cambodian politics. The political economy of any contemporary nation is, of course, a virtually inexhaustible topic. The French ideals blended with each colonial political culture to produce myriad unique and rebellious hybrids. With Cambodia apparently united behind the traditionally "supreme" monarchy at independence in 1954, most outside observer’s portrayed internal Cambodian politics as remarkably cohesive until 1970. The instability of Cambodian politics over the post-war period is expressed by the existence of a potpourri of political parties and groups shepherded by Sihanouk. The chapter examines the economic deterioration of Cambodia after independence, in order to set the stage for explanation of the subsequent political events in Cambodia.
