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The recent imposition of visa sanctions and suspension of foreign assistance programs by the United States following the Cambodian People's Party's (CPP) victory in the July 2023 elections underscores the geopolitical complexities of Cambodia's political landscape. This move not only highlights the consolidation of power by Prime Minister Hun Sen and the CPP but also raises broader questions about the impact of such sanctions on global power dynamics and the lessons they offer for countries grappling with questionable elections.

Hun Sen's ascension to power and his party's dominance has been marked by a tumultuous history rooted in Cambodia's traumatic past. Rising from a peasant background, Hun Sen's involvement with the Khmer Rouge regime and subsequent defection to Vietnam laid the foundation for his political trajectory. By leveraging strategic alliances and political maneuvering, he gradually solidified his rule, culminating in his appointment as Prime Minister in 1985.

A pivotal juncture in Cambodia's political landscape occurred during the 1993 United Nations-sponsored elections, which saw the CPP's defeat to the royalist FUNCINPEC party. Hun Sen's refusal to accept the results and subsequent power-sharing arrangement underscored his determination to maintain control. The ousting of Prince Norodom Ranariddh in a 1997 coup further solidified Hun Sen's grip on power, setting the stage for his consolidation of authority and systematic suppression of opposition.

Hun Sen's rule has been characterized by a crackdown on dissent, the dissolution of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), and the arrest of its leader, Kem Sokha, in 2017. These actions have drawn international condemnation, prompting the United States to respond with sanctions as a means of expressing disapproval and exerting pressure on the Cambodian regime.

The imposition of visa sanctions and foreign assistance program suspensions constitutes a demonstration of the United States' geopolitical power and its attempt to influence Cambodia's internal affairs. These measures seek to hold accountable individuals involved in undermining democratic processes. However, they also have broader implications for Cambodia's relations with the West and underscore the tension between democratic principles and the expansion of China's influence.

China's support for Hun Sen and the CPP has played a pivotal role in shaping Cambodia's political landscape. By reducing reliance on Western aid, China has allowed Hun Sen to resist external pressure to implement democratic reforms. This dynamic exemplifies the broader geopolitical struggle between the United States and China for influence in Southeast Asia.

The sanctions on Cambodia provide a valuable lesson for countries worldwide grappling with questionable elections and democratic backsliding. The suppression of opposition, manipulation of election laws, and erosion of democratic institutions, as seen in Cambodia, can have far-reaching consequences for a nation's political stability and international standing.

Bangladesh, which also experienced US warnings and visa restrictions in response to concerns over democratic processes, serves as a pertinent example. The US policy shift to support free, fair, and peaceful national elections in Bangladesh mirrors the approach taken with Cambodia. The threat of sanctions is a clear message that the international community values democratic norms and principles, and it underscores the global repercussions of neglecting them.

In the contemporary geopolitical arena, the imposition of sanctions by a major power like the United States serves as a reminder of the far-reaching influence such actions can exert. They prompt a reassessment of the balance between internal governance and international relations while also challenging the narratives of governments that seek to consolidate power at the expense of democratic norms.

However, the recent visa sanctions and suspension of foreign assistance programs by the United States in response to Cambodia's questionable elections underline the intricate interplay between domestic politics, geopolitical maneuvering, and international norms. The case of Cambodia and its lessons resonate not only within Southeast Asia but also serve as a broader cautionary tale for nations worldwide. As the world watches Cambodia's political landscape unfold, it remains to be seen how these sanctions will impact the nation's future trajectory and whether they will serve as a catalyst for change in other countries facing similar challenges.

Roman Uddin, a research associate at Centre for Governance Studies