11

ClassClass: Cambodian : Cambodian Government and PoliticsGovernment and Politics

CodeCode: POL 201/202: POL 201/202

By Professor By Professor MAY Sam-OeunMAY Sam-Oeun

22

LECTURE ONELECTURE ONE

POLITICS POLITICS AND AND

GOVERNMENTGOVERNMENT

33

1.1 Politics as the activity by 1.1 Politics as the activity by which groups reach binding which groups reach binding collective decisions through collective decisions through

attempting to reconcile attempting to reconcile differences among their members differences among their members

(pp. 3-4).(pp. 3-4).

44

1.2 Governments as 1.2 Governments as

(a) institutions for making and (a) institutions for making and enforcing collective decisions enforcing collective decisions (‘the authoritative allocation (‘the authoritative allocation

of values’) of values’)

(b) the top political tier within (b) the top political tier within such institutions (pp. 4-6).such institutions (pp. 4-6).

  Government and Politics Interactions.Government and Politics Interactions. Four Assumptions about theFour Assumptions about the

NATURE of Government and Politics:NATURE of Government and Politics:

1-  1-  PoliticsPolitics is a natural phenomenon that is a natural phenomenon that rises from human diversity. It should not rises from human diversity. It should not

be replaced by be replaced by political ideologypolitical ideology a set of a set of comprehensive comprehensive beliefsbeliefs about what a about what a

government should be doing.government should be doing.

PoliticsPolitics The selection of the best possible The selection of the best possible choice from a set of imperfect but choice from a set of imperfect but

workable alternatives. Politicians don’t workable alternatives. Politicians don’t have all the answers.have all the answers. (mwth 2pm 10Aug09)(mwth 2pm 10Aug09)

  2-  People create and employ 2-  People create and employ

government to help them live more government to help them live more comfortable, secure and productive comfortable, secure and productive

lives.lives.

The government often fails to achieve The government often fails to achieve this and fulfill its mission, and be this and fulfill its mission, and be

accurate what it can deliver: accurate what it can deliver: Government of the people, for the Government of the people, for the people and by the people people and by the people (US President (US President

Abraham Lincoln)Abraham Lincoln)  

77Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln

16th US President (1861-1865)16th US President (1861-1865)

Sign a BillSign a Bill Emancipation of Emancipation of

the Slavethe SlaveAssassination Assassination

    3- Political stability is enhanced when as 3- Political stability is enhanced when as

much of the citizenry as possible have much of the citizenry as possible have legitimate and guaranteed access to legitimate and guaranteed access to

government.government.

The governments have been lax to accessibility: The governments have been lax to accessibility: freedom of speech (South America, Africa, Sikhs freedom of speech (South America, Africa, Sikhs

of India, Muslims in China…)of India, Muslims in China…) Authoritarian regimesAuthoritarian regimes

Montagnard of Vietnam? Montagnard of Vietnam? Kampuchea Krom of Mekong Delta?...)Kampuchea Krom of Mekong Delta?...)

Additional Supplement to the 1985 Border Treaty with Additional Supplement to the 1985 Border Treaty with VietnamVietnam Debate/controversy? Debate/controversy? Constitution: Chapter 3Constitution: Chapter 3

Article 31, 35, 37, 41 (MW2-330Th2-3PM12Aug09)Article 31, 35, 37, 41 (MW2-330Th2-3PM12Aug09)

  

4- Economic prosperity and 4- Economic prosperity and political democracy are political democracy are

interrelated. interrelated.

i.e. USA, France, UK or former i.e. USA, France, UK or former Soviet Union; East Europe, Soviet Union; East Europe,

etc.etc.

  Four Assumptions:Four Assumptions:

1-  1-  PoliticsPolitics is a natural phenomenon that rises from is a natural phenomenon that rises from human diversity. It should not be replaced by human diversity. It should not be replaced by

political ideologypolitical ideology a set of comprehensive a set of comprehensive beliefsbeliefs about what a government should be about what a government should be

doing.doing.

2-  People create and employ government to help 2-  People create and employ government to help them live more comfortable, secure and them live more comfortable, secure and

productive lives.productive lives.

3- Political stability is enhanced when as much of 3- Political stability is enhanced when as much of the citizenry as possible have legitimate and the citizenry as possible have legitimate and

guaranteed access to government.guaranteed access to government.

4- Economic prosperity and political democracy are 4- Economic prosperity and political democracy are interrelated. interrelated.

Cambodian PM (Government) met with French Cambodian PM (Government) met with French President Jacques Chirac, 10 October 2005 President Jacques Chirac, 10 October 2005

  

The U.S. Capitol is illuminated the night before the inauguration of The U.S. Capitol is illuminated the night before the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama in Washington January 19, 2009. U.S. President-elect Barack Obama in Washington January 19, 2009.

REUTERS/Scott Andrews/Pool REUTERS/Scott Andrews/Pool

The Government of the United States of America (USA) The Government of the United States of America (USA)

  

4 November 2008: President-elect Barack Obama & Vice President-elect Joe Biden (Democratic Party won presidential election)

Sen. John McCain & Alaska Gov. Sarah Pailin (Republican Party lost)

  "It’s been a long time coming. But tonight, because of what we did on this date, in this election, change has come to America." 4 November 2008 night, in Chicago City, Illinoi, US President-elect BARACK OBAMA

A 21st-century First Family: Barack, Sasha, Malia, and Michelle Obama. By Joe Raedle/Getty Images.

Local residents celebrated as they learned of Senator Barack Obama's apparent victory in western Japan on Wednesday, 5 November 2008. “For Many Abroad, an Ideal Renewed “The New York Times, 5 November 2008 By ETHAN BRONNER

  

People visit the area in front of the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. Hopes that Barack Obama can improve US ties with the rest of the world have grown even stronger in the run-up to his inauguration as president, a poll said Tuesday. Mon Jan 19, 7:21 PM ET (AFP/Robyn Beck)

  

The Obamas have Coffee with the Bushes As massive crowds gather for Inauguration Day Tuesday, 20 January 2009

  

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1.3 Hobbes’s case for 1.3 Hobbes’s case for government: it offers security government: it offers security

against each other as well against each other as well from external attack (p. 5).from external attack (p. 5).

- Internal peace- Internal peace- External war- External war

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1.4 Classifying governments 1.4 Classifying governments as liberal democracies, or as liberal democracies, or

authoritarian states (pp. 6-9).authoritarian states (pp. 6-9). (MW7-8:30PM 17Aug09)(MW7-8:30PM 17Aug09)

Authoritarian Government of Authoritarian Government of Burma (Myanmar)Burma (Myanmar)

U.N. Secretary-General Ban U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for the Ki-moon has called for the

release of all political release of all political prisoners in Myanmarprisoners in Myanmar.

(Los Angeles Times, 4 July2009) United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, left, meets with Senior Gen. Than Shwe, the leader of Myanmar's military government, in Naypyidaw, the capital. Ban is

seeking to get the regime to release pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been in detention for most of the last two decades,

and other political prisoners. (Mark Garten / U.N. Photo)

She is found guilty because an American swam to her “house She is found guilty because an American swam to her “house arrest” which she does not know about itarrest” which she does not know about it

UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari has arrived in Burma ahead

of a possible visit by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-

moon. Mr Gambari is to meet officials from Burma's

military government but it is not clear if he

KYON DA VILLAGE, Myanmar - As the U.N. helicopter skimmed above the placid Irrawaddy Delta, Myanmar's military junta was putting the final touches on its showcase village.

ASEAN countries have not said any thing much ASEAN countries have not said any thing much about problems in Burma during their meeting.about problems in Burma during their meeting.

A scene in the Brmese city at the trial of the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The U.N. secretary-general says Myanmar's junta chief has rejected his initial request to

see jailed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Ban Ki-moon says he told Myanmar's Senior

Iraq GovernmentIraq Government

Representative of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, requests the world community to help release Suu Kyi.

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Ahmadinejad hails election as protests Ahmadinejad hails election as protests growgrow

13 June 200913 June 2009

TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- As street TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- As street protests and voter skepticism rose protests and voter skepticism rose over Iranian President Mahmoud over Iranian President Mahmoud

Ahmadinejad's election victory, the Ahmadinejad's election victory, the incumbent leader hailed the vote, incumbent leader hailed the vote,

saying it was a "great ordeal" but one saying it was a "great ordeal" but one that pointed "the way to the future."that pointed "the way to the future."

In the aftermath of Iranian elections in June, protesters hit the streets.

Moussavi supporters run past a burning bus Moussavi supporters run past a burning bus in Tehran on Saturday.in Tehran on Saturday.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who came Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who came to power in 2005, now has a second to power in 2005, now has a second

term in office.term in office.

Neda Agha-Soltan was gunned down on a Tehran street on June 20, 2009. Neda becomes rallying cry- has become a symbol of women on the front lines and has galvanized opponents of the Iranian regime.

Mourners gather around the grave of Neda Agh-Soltan in Beheshte Zahra Cemetery.

30 July 2009- Iran Election30 July 2009- Iran ElectionSecurity forces in Iran on Thursday Security forces in Iran on Thursday

confronted thousands of protesting Iranians confronted thousands of protesting Iranians across the city, first at a cemetery and later across the city, first at a cemetery and later at a prayer venue and near a government at a prayer venue and near a government building, witnesses and news reports said.building, witnesses and news reports said.

However, security forces barred opposition However, security forces barred opposition leaders Mir Hossein Moussavi and Mehdi leaders Mir Hossein Moussavi and Mehdi Karrubi from the gravesite of Neda Agha-Karrubi from the gravesite of Neda Agha-

Soltan, the 26-year-old woman shot in Soltan, the 26-year-old woman shot in election protests on June 20, witnesses and election protests on June 20, witnesses and

news reports said. news reports said. More than 3,000 people were gathered at More than 3,000 people were gathered at

Agha-Soltan's grave, a witness said.Agha-Soltan's grave, a witness said.

File image of Saeed Hajjarian, considered the theoretician behind Iran's reformist movement.

The president's main The president's main rival (of Mahmoud rival (of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad) Mir Ahmadinejad) Mir Hossein Moussavi Hossein Moussavi

said there were said there were "blatant violations" "blatant violations"

in the Iranian in the Iranian election.election.

Government of Iran: Hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday (5 August 2009) sworn in for a second term as Iranian president in a ceremony likely to be snubbed by opposition leaders

who claim he was fraudulently re-elected. (AFP/Behrouz Mehri) T530PM-TH630PM

IRAN: Islamic IRAN: Islamic GovernmentGovernment

Religiously ExtremeReligiously Extreme

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1.5 Governance as the activity, process or 1.5 Governance as the activity, process or quality of governing, a task in which quality of governing, a task in which

government may not play a leading role, as government may not play a leading role, as with regulation of the internet. with regulation of the internet.

More broadly, we can speak of More broadly, we can speak of

‘international governance’ but not ‘international governance’ but not ‘international government’ (pp. 9-10).‘international government’ (pp. 9-10).

“The State is central to economic and “The State is central to economic and social development, not as a direct provider social development, not as a direct provider

of growth but as a partner, catalyst and of growth but as a partner, catalyst and facilitator” facilitator” (World Bank Report, 1997)(World Bank Report, 1997)

Capacity Building and Human Resource Development

Furth

er c

onst

ruct

ion

of

trans

port

infra

stru

ctur

e

Dev

elop

men

t of t

he

ener

gy s

ecto

r of a

nd

elec

trici

ty n

etw

ork

Man

agem

ents

of w

ater

re

sour

ces

and

irrig

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n

Dev

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men

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info

rmat

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and

com

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datio

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chno

logy

Furt

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ehab

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tion

and

Con

stru

ctio

n of

Phy

sica

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rast

ruct

ure

Strengthening private

sector and attracting investm

ents

Prom

oting of SM

Es

Creating jobs and

ensuring improved

work conditions

Ensuring social safety nefs for civil services,

Employees and w

orkers

Private Sector Developm

ent and Employm

ent Generation

Peace, Political Stability and Social order

Fighting corruption

Legal and judicial reform

Armed forcesreform and

demobilization

PublicAdministration

reform

Improving healthservices

Implementing population policy

Enhancing quality of

education

Forcing gender equity

Enhancement of Agriculture Sector

Partnership in development In

tegr

atio

n of

Cam

bodi

a in

to

the

regi

on w

orld

a

nd th

e

Favorable macroeconomic andfinancial environment

Land reform and mines clearance

Forestry reform

Improving productivity and

diversifying agricultural sector

Fisheries reform

Donor’s Assistance

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1.6 Power as the capacity to 1.6 Power as the capacity to produce intended effects. produce intended effects.

Power to: the capacity of a community Power to: the capacity of a community to shape its own destiny. to shape its own destiny.

Power over: the ability of an individual Power over: the ability of an individual or group to get its way against or group to get its way against

opposition. opposition. Power as a relationship (A affects B) Power as a relationship (A affects B) and as a forceful means of realizing and as a forceful means of realizing

such influence (pp. 10-11).such influence (pp. 10-11).

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1.6 Power as the capacity to produce intended effects. 1.6 Power as the capacity to produce intended effects.

Power to: the capacity of a community to shape its own destiny. Power to: the capacity of a community to shape its own destiny. Power over: the ability of an individual or group to get its way against Power over: the ability of an individual or group to get its way against

opposition. opposition. Power as a relationship (A affects B) and as a forceful means of realizing such Power as a relationship (A affects B) and as a forceful means of realizing such

influence (pp. 10-11). influence (pp. 10-11).

What are the products of What are the products of Political Democracy?Political Democracy?

How do politicians/leaders get How do politicians/leaders get the power?the power?

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1.6 Power as the capacity to produce intended effects. 1.6 Power as the capacity to produce intended effects. Power to: the capacity of a community to shape its own destiny. Power to: the capacity of a community to shape its own destiny.

Power over: the ability of an individual or group to get its way against Power over: the ability of an individual or group to get its way against opposition. opposition.

Power as a relationship (A affects B) and as a forceful means of realizing such Power as a relationship (A affects B) and as a forceful means of realizing such influence (pp. 10-11). influence (pp. 10-11).

What are the products of Political What are the products of Political Democracy?Democracy?

Economic prosperity & political stability?Economic prosperity & political stability?

Good governance?Good governance?

What would happen when What would happen when politicians/leaders abuse the elected power?politicians/leaders abuse the elected power?

 

George W. BUSH The President of the United

States of America 2000-2008

POWER FROM THE PEOPLE?POWER FROM THE PEOPLE?

  "It’s been a long time coming. But tonight, because of what we did on this date, in this election, change has come to America." 4 November 2008 night, in Chicago City, Illinoi, US President-elect BARACK OBAMA

POWER FROM THE PEOPLE?POWER FROM THE PEOPLE?

Pol Pot: A deadly blend of Maoism and nationalism

The Three Faces of Pol Pot

Maoism: Follow Mao ideology and doctrine

POWER FROM THE PEOPLE?POWER FROM THE PEOPLE?

Disgust Politics

Key figures in

Khmer Rouge.

They are currently on Trial

Ta Mok has died

Kieu Samphan President of

Democratic Kampuchea Nuon Chea

Ieng Sary Minister of Foreign Affairs

China, a former Khmer Rouge ally, may try and block justice

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Police circulate arrest warrants for Police circulate arrest warrants for Thaksin and PojamanThaksin and Pojaman

The Nation, Friday, 15 August 2008 The Nation, Friday, 15 August 2008   

The Royal Thai Police on Thursday The Royal Thai Police on Thursday started distributing two arrest started distributing two arrest

warrants for former prime minister warrants for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife

Khunying Pojaman.Khunying Pojaman.

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Police distribute arrest warrants of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife; Pojaman,

after they jumped bails on corruption charges and fled to England.

POWER FROM THE PEOPLE?POWER FROM THE PEOPLE?

Authoritarian Government of Authoritarian Government of Burma (Myanmar)Burma (Myanmar)

POWER FROM THE PEOPLE?POWER FROM THE PEOPLE?

Government of Iran: Hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday (5 August 2009) sworn in for a second term as Iranian president in a ceremony likely to be snubbed by opposition leaders

who claim he was fraudulently re-elected. (AFP/Behrouz Mehri) T530PM-TH630PM

IRAN: Islamic IRAN: Islamic GovernmentGovernment

Religiously ExtremeReligiously ExtremePOWER FROM THE PEOPLE?POWER FROM THE PEOPLE?

  

WHO EVER THOUGHT “SADDAM HUSSEIN” AND HIS CRONIES WERE EVER PUT IN A TRIAL IN

FRONT OF THE WORLD/IRAQI CITIZENS: TYRANNY GUILT

POWER FROM THE PEOPLE?POWER FROM THE PEOPLE?

Zimbabwe election has been rigged (fixed/falsified) by intimidation, fear and violence by President

Mugabe (International Herald Tribune, 4 July 2008)

POWER FROM THE PEOPLE?POWER FROM THE PEOPLE?

ROBERT MUGABE, President of Zimbabwe

POWER FROM THE PEOPLE?POWER FROM THE PEOPLE?

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Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe strongman (From bccnews.com)He has, however, always been regarded as something of a political

enigma (mystery,puzzle). Local journalists who have tried to investigate these and other allegations against Mr Mugabe and his family say they have been intimidated and in some cases tortured. Until recently, Mr Mugabe had always been able to stifle political

opposition. His Zanu-PF party still dominates what is virtually a one party state occupying 147 out of the country's 150 parliamentary

seats. He controls the military, police, national committee of elction… he has jailed Opposition party member and tortured, etc.

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1.6 Power as the capacity to produce intended effects. 1.6 Power as the capacity to produce intended effects.

Power to: the capacity of a community to shape its own destiny. Power to: the capacity of a community to shape its own destiny. Power over: the ability of an individual or group to get its way against Power over: the ability of an individual or group to get its way against

opposition. opposition. Power as a relationship (A affects B) and as a forceful means of realizing such Power as a relationship (A affects B) and as a forceful means of realizing such

influence (pp. 10-11). influence (pp. 10-11).

What are the products of Political Democracy?What are the products of Political Democracy?

Economic prosperity & political stability?Economic prosperity & political stability? Good governance?Good governance? Reduce corruption Reduce corruption

What would happen when politicians/leaders What would happen when politicians/leaders abuse the elected power? abuse the elected power? political violence political violence (killing), political/social/economic instability? (killing), political/social/economic instability?

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1.6 Power as the capacity to produce 1.6 Power as the capacity to produce intended effects. intended effects.

Power to: the capacity of a community to shape its Power to: the capacity of a community to shape its own destinyown destiny Ex. Fisheries community; Ex. Fisheries community;

Government policy of decentralization, etc.Government policy of decentralization, etc.

Power over: the ability of an individual or group to Power over: the ability of an individual or group to get its way against oppositionget its way against opposition

Opposition: different opinion, goals, policy, politics, Opposition: different opinion, goals, policy, politics, party, business, etc.party, business, etc.

Power as a relationship (A affects B) and as a Power as a relationship (A affects B) and as a forceful means of realizing such influence (pp. 10-forceful means of realizing such influence (pp. 10-

11). 11).

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1.7 Authority as the right to rule, 1.7 Authority as the right to rule, existing when subordinates existing when subordinates

acknowledge the right of acknowledge the right of superiors to give orders. superiors to give orders.

Exerted through tradition, Exerted through tradition, charisma or a set of rulescharisma or a set of rules

(pp. 11-13). (pp. 11-13).

7070

1.8 A legitimate system of 1.8 A legitimate system of government as one based on government as one based on

authority; those subject to the state authority; those subject to the state recognize its right to make collective recognize its right to make collective

decisions. decisions.

So legitimacy is authority applied to So legitimacy is authority applied to the system of government as a whole the system of government as a whole

(pp. 11-13). (pp. 11-13).

7171

1.9 The state as a political 1.9 The state as a political community formed by a community formed by a

territorially-defined population territorially-defined population which is subject to one which is subject to one

government. government.

The capacity of the state to The capacity of the state to regulate the legitimate use of regulate the legitimate use of

force within its boundaries (pp. force within its boundaries (pp. 13-17). 13-17).

7272

1.10 Sovereignty as the highest 1.10 Sovereignty as the highest form of authority within the state. form of authority within the state.

Combining internal sovereignty Combining internal sovereignty (law-making power) and external (law-making power) and external

sovereignty (international sovereignty (international recognition of the sovereign's recognition of the sovereign's

jurisdiction) (pp. 13-17). jurisdiction) (pp. 13-17).

7373

1.11 The nation as a people inhabiting 1.11 The nation as a people inhabiting a defined territory seeking political a defined territory seeking political expression of its shared identity, expression of its shared identity,

usually through a claim to statehood.usually through a claim to statehood.

Nations as ancient, primordial Nations as ancient, primordial entities vs. nations as modern, state-entities vs. nations as modern, state-

dependent loyalties (pp. 17-21). dependent loyalties (pp. 17-21).

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  Nationalism as the doctrine that Nationalism as the doctrine that

nations are entitled to self-nations are entitled to self-determination (pp. 17-21).determination (pp. 17-21).

Nations and states can be linked in a Nations and states can be linked in a

nation-state (a state with its own nation-state (a state with its own nation), a multinational state (a state nation), a multinational state (a state

with more than one nation), a with more than one nation), a stateless nation (a nation without a stateless nation (a nation without a

state) and a diaspora (a nation state) and a diaspora (a nation dispersed beyond its home state) dispersed beyond its home state)

(pp. 17-21). (pp. 17-21).

7575