The religious dimension of political life in contemporary Cambodia
This paper examines the influence of Buddhism on political life in contemporary Cambodia. The author shows that extensive patronage and financial backing of the Buddhist sangha by members of the ruling elite, particularly Hun Sen and his family, results in a substantial political involvement of the Buddhist hierarchs who are closely linked to existing power structures. Ordinary monks coming primarily from poor peasant families demonstrate a critical attitude towards the ruling regime, especially in the capital. Many of them are strongly inclined to support the opposition, mainly the Sam Rainsy Party.