In recent months, the contradictions in the United States’ current policy of mixing pressure and tentative engagement towards Prime Minister Hun Sen, Cambodia’s increasingly authoritarian dictator of 37 years, became particularly apparent. The United States unveiled new sanctions near simultaneously to official outreach, all while Cambodia assumes the ASEAN Chair for 2022 and conducts its own engagement towards the junta in Myanmar. Is current US policy towards Cambodia working to counter its growing ties to China and deteriorating human rights record? Are there alternative policy approaches for Washington? 

Read more in our newest report from Program Coordinator and Associate for Southeast Asia Lucas Myers.