Publications by Fellows: Mark Vong: Cambodia’s Strong Economy, Weak Society Duality

In a new analysis published in East Asia Forum and re-published in Eurasia Review, our Fellow Mark Vong explores the duality of Cambodia’s resilient economic growth and weak civil society.

According to the abstract, Cambodia’s strong economic growth in 2024 — driven by robust exports and tourism recovery — stands in stark contrast to a weakening political and civil society, characterised by continued repression. This duality presents a unique opportunity for the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) to implement institutional reforms designed to sustain economic growth and improve governance. As Cambodia looks towards graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2029, the urgency for economic resilience grows, offering the CPP a crucial moment to bolster and solidify national institutions.

Read the article here.