In the Shadows of Utopia: The Khmer Rouge and the Cambodian Nightmare - Podcast Rankings and reviews

I’m traveling to Cambodia in the coming weeks for the first time. I know very little of Cambodian history beyond the fact of the horrible genocide, let alone Southeast Asian history. Seeking some kind of reference to orient me to this country’s history, I am so grateful I stumbled upon this podcast. I will recommend it to anyone saying they want to know more about Cambodia’s beautiful—and terrifying—history. Peters’ detailed and well researched recounting mixed with his story telling brings you innocently along for this march of history. The more I listen, the more I know the dark chapter of the story is approaching. Still, it’s a journey we should all go on to reflect on what society is truly capable of.

I am well into the second season (latest listen includes introduction to Douch) and thrilled to keep going, at my own pace living in Phnom Penh. A visit to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) and the array of books sold by street vendors and bookstores in Phnom Penh written by historians, journalists and witnesses all show the tip of the iceberg that Professor Peters (Lok Kru Lachlan!) has studied and brings to us in this podcast. I rather think of it as a graduate course I am lucky to audit. Thank you!!!

Great overview of the antecedents to the horrors of the Khmer Rouge. Very helpful context prior to my first visit to Cambodia.

I started the series to prepare for a trip to Cambodia and Vietnam. Although I lived through the times and events so vividly described by Lachlan Peters, I am glued to my headphones as he does a deep dive into Cambodia’s history from Angkor Wat through to Pol Pot, venturing into French colonization, the development of Communism, the war in Vietnam , and much, much more. The series Far exceeds my expectations. Bravo!