Over many centuries, and especially during the last century, Cambodia has experienced radical, even tumultuous changes in its political system and social order. Chronicling this country's evolution from absolute monarchy in the pre-colonial era up to the semi-democracy of today, this dictionary focuses on the personalities, constitutional dynamics, and major economic developments of the recent Sihanouk, Lon Nol, Pol Pot and Hun Sen administrations. Recognizing that considerable research remains to be done on Cambodia's political history and leaders, this reference work makes a large contribution to Cambodia and prominent Cambodians offering biographical details on the rulers, leaders, and opinion-makers from the time of Jayavarman II to Hun Sen. It also details key events and recent political developments and reveals unexpected continuities and discontinuities in elite composition and national ideological outlooks.