Cambodia Since 1979

In early 1979 and for the first time since the 1950s, Cambodia was controlled by a foreign power. The situation was also reminiscent of the 1830s in that the power was Vietnam, but closer parallels existed with the final years of the French protectorate when the French took responsibility for Cambodia’s defense, internal security, and foreign affairs, leaving less crucial areas (from their point of view) in Cambodian hands.