Yet Cambodia remains a strongman's state, replete with lawlessness, human rights abuses, grinding poverty, bloated security forces and an economy thriving on prostitution, narcotics trafficking, land grabbing and illegal logging. The ruling Cambodian's People's Party (CPP), led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, has now achieved long-sought legitimacy but this has come essentially by default - by marginalising political opposition, wearing down donors and diplomats, and maintaining a lock on power through military and local government offices. The majority of Cambodians are still waiting for their peace dividend, and many believe it will never come.

ICG published a series of reports on Cambodia's uncertain transition to stable democracy but has now wound up its project in the country as the risk of conflict has diminished.

August 2001

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