Behind the Bastards: Part Three - The Pol Pot Episodes: How A Nice, Quiet Kid Murdered His Country

Behind the Bastards, a captivating podcast by Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts, delves deep into the lives and actions of some of history's most notorious figures. In Part Three of their Pol Pot series, titled "How A Nice, Quiet Kid Murdered His Country," host Robert Evans, alongside co-hosts Sophie From Mars and Andrew T., unravels the disturbing rise and reign of Pol Pot, the architect of Cambodia's tragic genocide.

Introduction: A Three-Part Exploration

The episode kicks off with Robert Evans humorously announcing that listeners are in for a rare three-part deep dive into Pol Pot’s life and atrocities. The co-hosts engage in light-hearted banter, setting the stage for a more serious and in-depth analysis ahead.

Robert Evans [00:01]: "Welcome back to behind the Bastards, a rare three part episode."

Pol Pot’s Ascendancy and the Political Climate

Robert delves into Pol Pot's early involvement in Cambodia's political landscape, highlighting his ascent within the Communist Party of Cambodia (CPK). After the assassination of party leader Samauth in [06:01], Pol Pot emerges as the de facto leader, steering the party toward greater independence from Vietnamese influence. This period is marked by intense guerrilla warfare against King Sihanouk’s monarchy, with Pol Pot establishing the notorious mobile headquarters, Office 100.

Robert Evans [08:14]: "Office 100... it's very cool stuff."

The U.S. Bombing Campaign and Its Consequences

A significant portion of the episode examines the United States' clandestine bombing of Cambodia from the 1960s into the 1970s, aimed at disrupting Vietnamese supply lines and the Khmer Rouge insurgency. Robert underscores the sheer scale of this military intervention, revealing that over half a million tons of bombs were dropped—more than the total weight used against Japan in World War II.

Robert Evans [12:00]: "We get fuck all for it. Like, this could not have been a less useful use of force."

The relentless bombing not only devastated Cambodia's infrastructure but also fostered immense civilian suffering. This widespread destruction inadvertently fueled support for the Khmer Rouge, as devastated peasants sought vengeance against the perceived aggressors.

Robert Evans [15:29]: "The Bombing campaign's primary result is to supercharge support for the Khmer Rouge because wouldn't you want to shoot somebody?"

Year Zero and Radical Societal Transformation

With the fall of Lon Nol’s regime in [14:44], Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge seize Phnom Penh, declaring "Year Zero"—a radical attempt to reset Cambodian society to an agrarian communist utopia. This section explores the ideological underpinnings of Year Zero, drawing parallels to Maoist policies like China's Great Leap Forward.

Robert Evans [27:03]: "Pol Pot names this plan Year Zero... based in part on Pol Pot's understanding of the French Revolution, right?"

The regime systematically dismantles existing societal structures: abolishing money, private property, education, and religion. Families are broken apart, individualism is eradicated, and citizens are forced into collectivized labor camps, all in the name of creating a homogeneous, agrarian society.

Genocide and Atrocities

The podcast provides a harrowing account of the genocide perpetrated by Pol Pot’s regime. Robert discusses the targeting of intellectuals, ethnic minorities (notably Vietnamese and Cham populations), and perceived "internal enemies." The establishment of S21, a notorious prison camp, is scrutinized in detail, exemplifying the regime's brutal methods of purging dissent.

Robert Evans [60:11]: "They are wiping out, you know, every revolution devours its young... in like famous time."

Survivors recount the unimaginable horrors, including forced executions, widespread starvation, and even the cannibalistic practices among some Khmer Rouge cadres as a means to desensitize themselves to further brutality.

Robert Evans [76:55]: "Some militia... claimed that they would eat the livers of their victims in the belief that it would give them extra power."

International and Internal Reactions

Robert touches upon the international obliviousness to the Khmer Rouge’s atrocities initially, exacerbated by Western leftist sympathizers who dismissed reports as anti-communist propaganda. The tragic case of British journalist Malcolm Caldwell is highlighted, illustrating how misinformation and ideological biases can cloud judgment, leading to misplaced support for brutal regimes.

Robert Evans [73:46]: "Caldwell was loved by his students and it was recalled even by people who disagreed with him as a gentle person who was tolerant of opposing views."

Downfall and Legacy

The relentless policies and military missteps eventually lead to the Khmer Rouge's downfall. Vietnam's invasion in [72:36] brings an end to Pol Pot’s reign, but not before millions have perished. The remnants of the Khmer Rouge continue guerrilla warfare until the early 1990s, leaving Cambodia scarred and struggling to recover from the devastation.

Robert Evans [84:57]: "He is ultimately not punished by the new Cambodian state or the UN. He's punished by the Khmer Rouge for killing another Khmer Rouge guy."

In his final moments, Pol Pot tries to rationalize his actions, refusing to acknowledge the immense suffering he caused.

Pol Pot [72:36]: "Our movement made mistakes... If we had not carried out our struggle, Cambodia would have become another kampuche Krom in 1975."

Conclusion: Lessons from History

The episode concludes with a somber reflection on the ease with which individuals can become blind to blatant atrocities, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and vigilance in preventing such horrors from recurring. Robert Evans draws parallels to contemporary issues, warning against the dangers of unchecked ideological fervor and the suppression of dissent.

Robert Evans [94:23]: "Don't ever believe your own or anyone else's too strong. Keep an eye out for what's going on in the world and talk to people."

Key Takeaways:

1. Unchecked Power and Ideology: Pol Pot's transformation from a quiet individual to a genocidal dictator underscores the perils of absolute power combined with extreme ideology.

2. Collateral Damage of Foreign Intervention: The U.S. bombing campaigns, intended to curb communist influence, had devastating unintended consequences, exacerbating internal conflicts and fueling extremist support.

3. Importance of Information and Critical Thought: The tragic support for the Khmer Rouge among Western leftists like Malcolm Caldwell highlights how misinformation and ideological bias can lead to grave mistakes.

4. Resilience of Human Spirit: Despite the immense suffering, Cambodia’s journey post-Khmer Rouge showcases the resilience required to rebuild and heal from such deep-seated trauma.

Behind the Bastards masterfully navigates the complexities of Pol Pot’s regime, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how a seemingly ordinary individual can orchestrate extraordinary atrocities. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the podcast serves as a poignant reminder of the dark chapters in human history and the enduring need to learn from them.