Abstract
This chapter explores the construction of official memory in Cambodia during an era of regionalization as outlined in Chapter 1. Official memory is the sanctioned version of a nation’s history—the so-called “present assertions of past facts” deemed appropriate by the State.1 It can—and usually does—differ from family and religious memory.2 Official memory is propagandist, for it represents the interests of elites in power.3 In Cambodia, elite interests have, at least since the ousting from power of the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime in 1979, coalesced around the ruling party, today called the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), and its long-serving prime minister, Hun Sen.4 In the post-1979 version of official memory, Hun Sen is a national hero for ousting the Khmer Rouge and saving the Khmer nation.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Memory in the Mekong: Regional Identity, Schools, Politics in Southeast Asia |
| Editors | Will Brehm, Yuto Kitamura |
| Place of Publication | United States |
| Publisher | Teacher Colleges Press |
| Chapter | 2 |
| Pages | 47-74 |
| Number of pages | 28 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780807780732 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780807766361 |
| Publication status | Published - 2022 |
| Externally published | Yes |
