During the process of state-building, nationalism is often employed by the core ethnic group as a tool to unite various ethnic communities within the state's borders. However, this nationalism can have negative consequences for non-core ethnic groups, as they are often subjected to policies driven by the nationalist agenda of the dominant ethnic group. These policies generally take the form of assimilation, accommodation, or exclusion, depending on the nature of the relationship between the core and non-core groups, as well as regime’s political and economic considerations. Cambodia's treatment of its ethnic Chinese and ethnic Vietnamese populations over time offers a case study of how these dynamics play out. This study examines Cambodia's ethnic policies from 1953 to 2023, focusing on key periods: the Sihanouk and Lon Nol regimes (1953-1975), the Khmer Rouge era (1975-1979), and the Hun Sen era (1980-2023). The policies of these regimes are analyzed through a triangular framework that encompasses nationalism, economic ideology, and national security considerations. While the policies of successive Cambodian regimes toward these two non-core ethnic groups have evolved, a clear divergence emerges after 2000. We can conclude that the stable relationship between Cambodia and China has significantly bolstered the social standing of the ethnic Chinese, while the similarly close ties between Cambodia and Vietnam have not been sufficient to counteract the historical marginalization of the ethnic Vietnamese. This contrast highlights the complex interplay of nationalism, geopolitics, and ethnic policy in shaping the status of minority communities in Cambodia.

Authors:
Wen-Pin Lin, Wenzao Usurline University of Languages, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Wen-Pin Lin is Founding Chair of the Department of Southeast Asian Studies at Wenzao University. He studies Southeast Asia’s political economy. Current project: “Small Loans, Big Problems” on microfinance development in the Southeast Asia.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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