A Study Of US Foreign Policy Towards Cambodia During The Cold War

Period of the cold war, the policy toward Cambodia was the vital part of theAmerican Southeast Asia foreign policy. After the world war II, America exaggeratedhegemonism and struggled strongly with the Soviet Union all over the world. TheSoutheast Asia is a focus in the struggle between America and the Soviet union. TheCambodia lies in a core position in Southeast Asia, which is the bridgehead forAmerica in order to curb the expansion of communism. The America establisheddiplomatic relationship actively with the Cambodia instead of turning a blind eye to it.In addition, America provided massive assistance on economy and military in anattempt to make it under control. however, Sihanouk adopted a neutral policy for thesake of protecting its sovereignty. This action broke American plan. At a result,America tried to make Cambodia change its political stand through decreasingeconomic aid and military pressure, even conspired against the Sihanouk governmentand then built a regime closed to America. Finally, America had decided to severdiplomatic relation with Cambodia in1965.As the changing of world institution andthe decay of American status, America was eager to get out of Vietnam. To keep themaximum interest after retreating from the region, America instigated Lon Nol coup,and invaded Cambodia with Vietnam together. At last it was expelled from Cambodiaby the growing stronger Khmer rouge.The relationship between America andCambodia severed again.After the Soviet Union support Vietnam to invade Cambodiain1978, America help Cambodia resistance groups including Khmer rouge againstVietnam to curb the expansion of the Soviet Union power. After the disintegration ofthe Soviet Union, The good relationship of America and Cambodia was rebuilt. ButAmerica continued to interfere in Kampuchea’s internal affairs and diplomacy.Although experiencing the different stages of aid、pressure、coup、mitigation、interference and so on，the policy adjustments based on their own interests andcombined to the changes of international political situations.