Revered former Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk died of a heart attack on Monday in Beijing at the age of 89. His turbulent life reflected the modern history of Cambodia, a small country that experienced difficulties and tragedies as its fate was swayed by the interests and moves of bigger powers. He was able to successfully navigate through a series of upheavals that wracked his country by employing Realpolitik maneuvers. Although his political behavior lacked consistency, he will be remembered as a leader who managed to maintain the unity of Cambodia in the long run by preventing foreign powers from tearing the country apart.
Because Sihanouk left the political center stage in 2004, his death will not affect the political situation of Cambodia and neighboring countries. But if he had not helped to bring about peace in Cambodia — which had been ravaged for years by strife and conflicts — it would have been impossible for Southeast Asian countries to attain the level of development that they enjoy today under the umbrella of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Sihanouk's life was one of turmoil. In 1941, he was crowned king of Cambodia by France, which ruled Indochina at that time. In 1953, he achieved the independence of Cambodia. He then strived to implement a policy of Buddhist socialism through a planned economy and foreign policy of neutrality. In the 1960s he managed to bring peace and prosperity to his country and put it in on a modern footing.