Bektimirova Nadezhda

Is a culture of dialogue feasible in Cambodia?

ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНАЯ АЗИЯ: АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ РАЗВИТИЯ, 2015, №28, 77-92

 
Annotation: This article examines tangible changes in the political environment of Cambodia, which have manifested in an increased degree of competitiveness between two political parties - the ruling Cambodian People’s Party and the oppositional Cambodia National Rescue Party. Having recognized the futility of open confrontation both parties have proclaimed their commitment to a new principle of political interaction based on the adoption of a culture of political dialogue. Among the constitutive elements of such a culture are a move away from reciprocal, frequently offensive, verbal attacks, openness to constructive cooperation and a search for the most mutually acceptable and beneficial forms of compromise. One of the most significant real results of the introduction of the culture of political dialogue into Cambodia’s socio-political life was the implementation of a long-overdue, large-scale electoral reform.

Keywords: CAMBODIAN PEOPLE''S PARTY, CAMBODIA, CAMBODIA NATIONAL RESCUE PARTY, CULTURE OF POLITICAL DIALOGUE, ELECTORAL REFORM, INTERPARTY COOPERATION