Narrating the national border: Cambodian state rhetoric vs popular discourse on the Preah Vihear conflict

A study reveals a stark contrast between Cambodian state rhetoric and the lived experiences of residents in Preah Vihear province regarding national identity, development, and heritage. While the state portrays development projects as symbols of Khmer pride and nation-building, locals interpret these initiatives through their daily realities, imbuing terms like 'development,' 'nation,' and 'heritage' with localized meanings. This research sheds light on how nationalist discourse is perceived and experienced at the grassroots level, offering a nuanced perspective on the Thai–Cambodian conflict over the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Temple of Preah Vihear.

Ngoun, K. (2016). Narrating the national border: Cambodian state rhetoric vs popular discourse on the Preah Vihear conflict. Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, 47(2), 210–233. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0022463416000059