To what extent did the failures of Sihanouk’s rule lead to the rise of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that the failures of Sihanouk’s rule led to the rise of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. Candidates may refer to Sihanouk’s failure to establish a proper democracy which could have insulated Cambodia against extremist take-over. Instead, he killed and imprisoned opponents, and was faced by an attempted coup (1957) and insurrection (1967). His inconsistent foreign policy meant that Cambodia had no secure alliances and he could not prevent the US bombing in 1969. There may be reference to the mixed results of Sihanouk’s economic policy, which failed to achieve diversification, despite significant development of the infrastructure, and to corruption. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example the instability of neighbouring countries and the leadership qualities and strategies of Pol Pot, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that the failures of Sihanouk's rule led to the rise of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. There were numerous responses to this question. This question was generally answered well. Candidates demonstrated a good understanding of a wide range of factors that led to the rise of the Khmer Rouge.