The Social Adaptation of Khmer Rouge Perpetrators in the Aftermath of the Cambodian Genocide

Abstract

This paper explores the social adaptation of 157 former Khmer Rouge (KR) cadres. The cadres lived in relative isolation in the former KR stronghold, the semi-autonomous Anlong Veng, under the leadership of their commander, Chhit Chhoeun (alias Ta Mok). With the help of survey analysis, the paper presents findings regarding the cadres’ traumatisation, their views on assigning responsibility for actions during the genocide (1975–1979), as well as the cadres’ feelings of shame and lack of trust. The cadres demonstrated avoidance and a lack of self-confrontation and, similarly, manifested limited reflection about their individual and collective participation in the genocidal regime of the KR. The paper concludes with the long-lasting impact of thought reform and obedience to authority. Community re-building in post-genocide societies requires efforts at collective rehabilitation of collaborators of genocidal regimes and survivors alike.