heartshape

1. The country is under the highly centralized control of the military patronage system, a concept of oligarchy spawned by the early communist Khmer Rouge and the Pol Pot regime based on discipline and conformity.


2. The three problems arising from the crippled Cambodian environment include: distortion of social structures, social inequality, and lack of people's participation.


3. Cambodia is living through a vicious cycle of power-hungry military officials and warlords and its oppressed citizens refusing to trust anyone for fear of getting arrested.

Having emerged from a struggle against communism and absolute oligarchy, the aged Cambodians are far too traumatized to trust anyone as regards nation building. The lack of human resources is not so much a problem as having the capacity to use the existing human power. Concerned members of the academe both from Cambodia and the international community suggest ways to alleviate the unusual problem that has been inflicting Cambodia for several generations. Aside from gradually removing the military patronage system and establishing a democratic form of government - one that is not tainted with malice, greed, and megalomania, creating networks and strengthening linkages within local government units should be prioritized, and most importantly, bringing back the trust among people.

Mr. Estoconing asked how development can be achieved in an impossibly torn country like Cambodia with its high militaristic rule, xenophobic values, and widespread apathy. Regardless of its painful past and conforming present, instilling trust back to individuals remains to be the toughest challenge. I always believe that behind a properous country is a unified citizenry. And in the case of Cambodia, healing the bitterness of the past can be a good headstart.

Its about time for Cambodia to come out of its shell and show off their exotic cultural heritage. The country's sociopolitical aspect may need mending but culturally, Cambodia has so much to offer with its unique traditions, arts, and architecture, among others. They can even bank on their hideous yet interesting past and the fact that some areas considered as sacred still have landmines waiting to be stepped on. People live to tell stories and nothing excites tourists more than a story on struggle and survival. Surely, these Cambodians after having been imprisoned in their own land for so long would want to express themselves through their craft. Cambodian dances are fast getting into the international scene so why not capitalize on that?

Culture plays an important role in bridging the gap not only between the rich and poor but among all Cambodians. Whether in a form of song, dance, painting, sculpture, prayer, architecture, or oral lore, it encourages people to express themselves (and creatively at that) which in turn enhances self-esteem and confidence, an essential tool in a peaceful group participation. It may be a long process (who says healing isn't?) but at least culture binds the people and gives them something in common, leading to the path of unification.

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hmm...I just felt like writing this so as not to soil my pride. I just had to prove myself that I actually learned something from the case on Cambodia; that no matter how I'm judge, I'm confident of my brain's capacity to stimulate and process ideas.