Intellectual Co-authors: Sonya Chum, Vice President for Research at the Mengly J. Quach University Research Center and PhD candidate in Political Science at Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan. Dr. Keneth Robinson, Senior Researcher and Managing Editor In the history of Cambodia many years from now it is to be seen whether the sizable losses of the CPP majority in the National Assembly followed by the Freedom Park and factory workers’ protests of 2014 will be recalled as a watershed point or no more than an interesting occurrence that was soon forgotten. In the vagaries of politics such is the fate of many political and social movements, which are born with the boundless aspirations of its leaders but soon perish a stillborn death. Much of the course of this opposition movement will be decided by the adjustments made by the ruling regime to regain the political initiative counterbalanced with the determined will, prudence, and charisma of this opposition movement to build on its initial success while finding ways to include new voter blocs within its ranks. I believe that a key determinant in the ongoing success of the ruling regime is its ability to both embrace and utilize intellectuals into its policy formation and political decisions. I should clarify what I mean when I write, “intellectual,” because I do not mean that the regime has no educated or intelligent individuals working within their ranks. In this context an intellectual is “someone who has significant learning with particular emphasis in a particular area of expertise who also possesses the freedom to express his or her unbiased beliefs with regard to issues or controversies within this area of expertise.” There are several ways to prove that the inclusion of intellectuals is important for the advancement of any nation. It was the writings and teachings of key intellectuals that eventually transformed Europe from a continent suppressed under the “divine rule” of kings to a place where average citizens believed that they should have a voice in what happens to their nation and their own money. It is through think tanks, scholarly meetings, and seminal texts that the course is forged for many nations or the world as a whole. For example the focus on global warming was proven and advocated by prominent and brave scientists such as those with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and then later promoted to the general population by Al Gore. One should hope that policy, whether it is on how to teach more effectively or how to stimulate a lagging economy, would look toward the most recent scholarly research as a guide for action. Why would schools seek to use techniques or research advocated in the early 20th century, when there is nearly 100 years of new research and ideas? Lastly, up-to-date textbooks used in universities along with most popular current nonfiction books formulate the beliefs of a new generation along with educating the general public about what is considered state of the art science or practice. So, I should return to my original dissertation to explain why the current regime (or any nation really) needs intellectuals in order to move forward. As I mentioned prior, any government has experts and various learned people. But a critical difference between these intelligent people and the community of intellectuals is the willingness and the ability to freely express their opinions without fear – “the freedom from fear” as written by Aung San Suu Kyi. The lesson of not listening to dissenting voices or even including those with differing views was best summed up in the research on “groupthink.” Groupthink is a phenomenon where a leader surrounds him or herself with like-minded individuals who are all fearful of being ostracized from the inner group. Therefore everyone agrees with whatever decision is presented by the leader, even though it might be risky or unwise. This is the explanation for why Richard Nixon’s administration decided to eavesdrop on the other party in their strategy deliberations. It might also explain why the entire inner circle concurred with Pol Pot, even though today the decisions made seem utterly horrific. Generally, a government is going to hire people who share its vision and values, so one should anticipate that these people will generally go along with the overall direction of the group of which they are a part (or keep their opinions to themselves in order to keep their post). Because intellectuals have freedom, it is their opinions and criticism that should chart, guide, and stimulate the conversation for what needs to be changed and how things can be maintained or modified for the benefit of all. This is a basic lesson originating from the Age of the Enlightenments nearly 500 years ago with thinkers like Francis Bacon, Renee Descartes, and Isaac Newton. This basic lesson is that scientific research is needed to prove anything, and it is this research, which should be the basis for any serious intellectual activity. By embracing those intellectuals who may agree or disagree with their policy, the government can open itself up to more options while demonstrating its openness to change, reform, and criticism. When the direction and future of Cambodia is at stake, one would hope that no barrier or potential small roadblock would deter the government from its duties. Furthermore, there are many moderate thinkers both here and abroad, who simply seek to craft small and doable policy reforms that do not seek to completely overhaul the system or threaten the regime. While we all want big changes done quickly, this is neither expedient nor prudent. To move forward Cambodia needs every resource, especially those most qualified based on experience, education, and critical analytical thinking skills. It is fortunate that there are many educated people working within any regime, but it is the ability to freely express dissent as well as agreement that marks the hallmark of an intellectual. Throughout history it has been these free thinkers infused with bravery and scholastic discipline who have continued to craft more effective economic policies and government reform, and it is these qualified thinkers who should work in concert with the government and the average citizens for the benefit of all.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 07:53:35 +0000
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