Cambodia: Background and U.S. Relations
Abstract
In the past few years, U.S. policy toward the Kingdom of Cambodia has broadened from a human rights focus to a multi-faceted approach. A key challenge for U.S. policy toward Cambodia lies in combining and balancing efforts to improve relations and to promote human rights and democracy in the kingdom. Cambodia's human rights record has been a constant source of friction between Prime Minister Hun Sen and major providers of foreign aid, which is equal to roughly half of the country's government budget. The kingdom's dependence on this aid has helped to keep pressure on the government to maintain or strengthen basic freedoms and democratic institutions. However, weak rule of law, corruption, and abuses of power have continued and in some cases become worse. During the past decade, Cambodia has made progress in some areas of U.S. interest and concern, including economic growth, the development of civil society, the conduct of elections, labor rights, HIV/AIDS prevention, counterterrorism, and bringing Khmer Rouge leaders to justice. The return to relative political stability in Cambodia in 2006 after parliamentary crises during the 2003-2005 period ushered in a movement toward deeper U.S.-Cambodia ties. This trend also has been driven by U.S. interests in cooperating with Cambodia on counterterrorism efforts and responding to China's growing economic influence in the region. China has become a primary source of development financing, aid, and investment in Cambodia and Southeast Asia.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA501062
Entities
People
- Thomas Lum
Organizations
- Library of Congress