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This chapter explores why Cambodia established a monarchy after independence in 1953, despite having modern political institutions and a dominant Democratic Party advocating for parliamentary democracy. The author argues that Cambodia's post-colonial regime reflected the royal legitimacy of King NorodomNorodom Sihanouk Sihanouk, who monopolized political power through constitutional provisions that preserved strong monarchical authority. While other actors—nationalist Son Ngoc ThanhSon Ngoc Thanh, the communist-led Khmer Issarak, and the Democratic Party—pursued independence through armed struggle or parliamentary means, none could rival Sihanouk’s institutional legitimacy or official recognition by France. His 1952 “legal coup,” which dissolved the parliament and consolidated his authority, set the stage for his leadership in negotiations for independence. After independence, Sihanouk abdicated the throne to pursue a political career, founding the SangkumSangkum (Sangkum Reastr Niyum) Reastr Niyum and securing a victory in the 1955 elections through state-coercive methods. The chapter argues that Cambodia’s monarchy emerged from the lack of “fusion” between royalty and politicians and highlights the continuity of autocratic features in Cambodia’s current political system under Hun SenHun Sen.

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Cambodia: Sihanouk’s Monopolization of Political Power and the Establishment of Monarchy

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年

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  • Hiroshi Yamada

摘要

This chapter explores why Cambodia established a monarchy after independence in 1953, despite having modern political institutions and a dominant Democratic Party advocating for parliamentary democracy. The author argues that Cambodia's post-colonial regime reflected the royal legitimacy of King NorodomNorodom Sihanouk Sihanouk, who monopolized political power through constitutional provisions that preserved strong monarchical authority. While other actors—nationalist Son Ngoc ThanhSon Ngoc Thanh, the communist-led Khmer Issarak, and the Democratic Party—pursued independence through armed struggle or parliamentary means, none could rival Sihanouk’s institutional legitimacy or official recognition by France. His 1952 “legal coup,” which dissolved the parliament and consolidated his authority, set the stage for his leadership in negotiations for independence. After independence, Sihanouk abdicated the throne to pursue a political career, founding the SangkumSangkum (Sangkum Reastr Niyum) Reastr Niyum and securing a victory in the 1955 elections through state-coercive methods. The chapter argues that Cambodia’s monarchy emerged from the lack of “fusion” between royalty and politicians and highlights the continuity of autocratic features in Cambodia’s current political system under Hun SenHun Sen.