Buddhist monks walk by the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. Post Staff
The Buddhist philosophy of the East and the democratic principles of the West are in many ways synonymous, both centred on the concept of freedom – whether through personal choice or constitutionally protected rights.
Buddhism encompasses the Eight Noble Paths and the virtuous precepts of good deeds, which include mutual respect, love, kindness, compassion, integrity, sincerity, truthfulness, nonviolence and the peaceful coexistence of nature and all living beings.
The Buddha taught that happiness is the ultimate goal of existence, and that detachment from desires leads to peace of mind and self-fulfilment. Similarly, contemporary democracy is built on the belief that all people are fundamentally equal and have the same rights to life, liberty and happiness. The desire for a more peaceful and democratic society is more important than ever in today’s world.
Cambodia's deep-rooted connection with Buddhism dates back to the fifth century CE, when the country began practicing and integrating the religion into its culture. Over the centuries, Cambodia experienced periods of adoption and adaptation, blending Buddhism with Hinduism and local belief systems, particularly during the Angkor period under King Jayavarman VII.
His reign was marked by the harmonious coexistence of these religions, contributing to a period of peace and stability. In the modern era, Cambodia fully embraced Theravada Buddhism, officially adopting it as the state religion in 1993.
Since the first general elections in 1993, Cambodia has upheld a liberal, multi-party democracy as outlined in its Constitution. Under the leadership of then Prime Minister Hun Sen, the country has regularly conducted free and fair elections, upheld the rule of law and fostered a political environment that emphasises national security and stability alongside individual rights and freedoms.
While Hun Sen, a pragmatic and centrist leader, views Western political norms with skepticism, he has championed a form of governance that balances social protection with a free-market economy, ensuring the equitable distribution of the benefits of growth.
Hun Sen's leadership, influenced by Buddhist teachings from his youth, has been crucial in shaping the country’s contemporary political landscape. Having spent his formative years in a Buddhist temple, Hun Sen's approach to governance is deeply rooted in Buddhist principles of equality, inclusivity and cooperation among different religions. His administration has prioritised religious freedom, tolerance and the peaceful coexistence of diverse faiths, making these values central to Cambodia's national identity.
Hun Sen's response to crises, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrated his decisive and compassionate leadership. By choosing Chinese vaccines as the strategic option for Cambodia and implementing a nationwide vaccination campaign, he prioritised the health and safety of his people.
His son, current Prime Minister Hun Manet, also played a significant role in these efforts, leading medical volunteer initiatives and contributing to the country’s public health response. Both leaders have been internationally recognised for their contributions to peace and the promotion of Buddhist values.
Cambodia's "Buddhist democracy" has not only preserved religious harmony within the country but has also positioned it as a model of peace and inclusivity in the region. The country's commitment to religious tolerance, supported by institutions like the National Committee for the Management and Development of Religions, has helped prevent the religious conflicts seen in neighbouring countries like Myanmar and Thailand. This commitment has fostered a unique peace ecosystem in Cambodia, where different faiths coexist and contribute to the nation’s stability.
Hun Sen's legacy includes the successful implementation of the Win-Win Policy, which brought an end to the civil wars and internal conflicts that plagued Cambodia for decades. Grounded in Buddhist values of non-violence, respect and justice, the policy facilitated the reintegration of Khmer Rouge forces into the national system, securing peace and paving the way for the country’s reconstruction and development.
The establishment of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal in 2006, supported by the UN, further solidified Cambodia's commitment to justice and national healing, offering a model of peacebuilding for the world.
Under Hun Sen's leadership, Cambodia has not only achieved national peace but has also contributed to international peace efforts. The country's participation in UN peacekeeping missions and demining operations worldwide underscores its role as a "small country with a big heart".
Cambodia has also shared its peacebuilding experience with the Mekong region and beyond, proposing initiatives like "Two States Toward One Nation" for peace on the Korean Peninsula, rooted in Buddhist and humanist values.
In summary, Cambodia's Buddhist democracy has profoundly influenced the nation's socio-cultural, political and economic landscape. Through a combination of religious principles and pragmatic governance, the country has achieved lasting peace, stability and prosperity.
These achievements, however, are not seen as an endpoint but as the foundation for an ongoing journey toward ensuring justice, harmony and well-being for the Cambodian people and beyond.
Thong Mengdavid, Lecturer at Institute for International Studies and Public Policy, Royal University of Phnom Penh and Research Fellow at the Asian Vision Institute. The views expressed in the article are the author’s own.
