S2 Ep12: The Cambodian Civil War Begins - Part Two: A Revolution Waged With Empty Hands

Sideshow by William Shawcross is a meticulously researched book that examines the US policy towards Cambodia from the late 1960s, particularly under the Nixon administration and the influence of Henry Kissinger. The book delves into the secret B-52 bombing campaigns in Cambodia, the manipulation of Cambodian politics, and the rationale behind these actions. It highlights the dysfunctional State Department, the power struggles within the Nixon administration, and the tragic consequences for Cambodia, including the rise of the Khmer Rouge. The book is praised for its forensic detail and its portrayal of a surreal and morally severed world of high politics.

Steve Heder's "Cambodian Communism and the Vietnamese Model" offers a unique perspective on the development of Cambodian communism, emphasizing the significant influence of the Vietnamese communist party. The book challenges conventional narratives by highlighting the close relationship between the two movements and the extent to which the Vietnamese model shaped the Cambodian communist party's ideology and strategies. Heder's work provides a detailed analysis of the historical context, political dynamics, and ideological influences that shaped the Cambodian communist movement. It offers a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between Cambodia and Vietnam and its impact on the course of Cambodian history.

This book by David P. Chandler provides a detailed and poignant account of Cambodian history from World War II to 1979. It focuses on the civil war period and the devastating revolutionary excesses of the Pol Pot regime. Chandler draws on his experience as a foreign service officer in Phnom Penh, interviews, and archival material to analyze why the revolution happened and its relation to Cambodia’s earlier history and other events in Southeast Asia. The book explores the roles of significant leaders such as Prince Sihanouk, Lon Nol, and Pol Pot, and how their actions contributed to the tragedy of Khmer history. It is praised for its meticulous attention to sources and detail, making it a cornerstone for studying Cambodia.

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.