Publication Date

2022

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Un, Kheang

Degree Name

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Legacy Department

Department of Political Science

Abstract

This thesis addresses why the Cambodian government could handle the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. It investigates the factors that contribute to the government’s success. I argue that Cambodia’s success in tackling the COVID-19 crisis depends on the state’s possession of infrastructural power, which effectively enabled the government to mobilize resources, surveil people, disseminate information, and roll out vaccination across the country. Furthermore, I argue that Cambodia’s success in handling the COVID-19 pandemic also links to the government’s longing to enhance its legitimacy. These arguments are supported by the empirical findings from the interview of 25 respondents and the review of the existing related literature. The findings reiterate the importance of infrastructural power and the government’s decision to utilize it effectively to achieve specific goals. Moreover, the findings shed light on the importance of enhancing the government’s legitimacy when facing a novel crisis like COVID-19. In the end, I propose that future research on a similar topic could carry out on a larger scale as it could further expand our understanding of the government response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Extent

64 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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