Abstract:
Ever since the Paris Peace Accords in 1991 and the first democratic election under UN assistance in 1993, Cambodia has taken a path of electoral authoritarianism. Elections are held regularly, but status quo is maintained in favor of ruling party in this case the CPP. More than three decades of Prime Minister Hun Sens regime have been marred by authoritarian practices and oppression of political and civil rights. International actors from the West have traditionally been trying to influence democratic development in Cambodia through conditionality. In parallel to that, China has in the last decade emerged as a strong, but authoritarian partner, of Cambodia. By signing the strategic partnership in 2010, Beijing and Phnom Penh have significantly increased economic cooperation and diplomatic ties. Examining Chinas linkage and leverage (Levitsky and Way) over Cambodia, this thesis explores how China has become a powerful actor in the domestic politics and (democratic) transition in Cambodia. Chinas partnership does not bring conditions of democracy, on the contrary, it prefers stability without domestic disruptions like strikes or protests. This study explores how Prime Minister Hun Sens authoritarianism has benefited from Chinas economic and diplomatic support. As the research presents, Beijings support for authoritarianism in Cambodia is also evident in many of Chinas projects in the Kingdom, which drive authoritarian repression of local communities and civil society by the CPP regime
Thammasat University. Thammasat University Library