A Midnight Crackdown in Cambodia (original) (raw)

The paper analyzes the recent increase in authoritarianism in Cambodia, highlighted by the arrest of opposition leader Kem Sokha for alleged treason. It contextualizes this crackdown in the lead-up to national elections, noting the government's efforts to suppress dissent and control media narratives. The relationships between Cambodia and China, as well as the perceived decline of U.S. support for democracy, are examined as influencing factors. The author warns that while Hun Sen seeks to prevent a potential uprising, his actions may ultimately destabilize his regime and lead to future unrest.