Khmer Rouge

The Khmer Rouge was a radical communist regime that ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979, led by Pol Pot. The movement was initially formed in the 1960s as the armed wing of the Communist Party of Kampuchea, with the goal of creating a rural, agrarian- based society free from foreign influence. When the Khmer Rouge seized power in 1975, they sought to radically transform Cambodia by abolishing cities, markets, and private property, while enforcing a strict form of socialism based on self-sufficiency.

During their rule, the Khmer Rouge implemented policies that led to widespread suffering and loss of life. They targeted intellectuals, professionals, ethnic minorities, and anyone perceived as an enemy of the regime, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 1.7 to 2 million people through execution, forced labor, and starvation. The Khmer Rouge’s vision of a classless society  was carried out with brutal force, and their reign left a deep scar on the country.

Today, the legacy of the Khmer Rouge remains a significant chapter in Cambodia’s history. This guide will explore the rise and fall of the Khmer Rouge, their impact on Cambodia, and the ongoing efforts to reckon with this dark period through education,  remembrance, and legal proceedings.