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The atomization of heritage politics in post-colonial cities: The case of Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Author

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  • Adèle Esposito

    (CNRS-UMR AUSSER)

  • Gabriel Fauveaud

Abstract

This paper analyzes the politics of heritage in urban Cambodia. Focusing on the capital, Phnom Penh, we argue that urban heritage is shaped at the intersection of global doctrines and professional knowledge, socioeconomic strategies at the national and local scales, real estate developments, and contextual institutional practices. We propose the concept “atomization of heritage politics†to explain the fragmentary and tentacular power relations that determine how built heritage is managed or destroyed. Drawing on heritage literature on Southeast Asian cities, we first argue that academic writers underestimate the role of land issues and localized power relations in shaping urban heritage politics. We contextualize the rise of heritage concerns in Cambodia. Since colonial times heritage strategies have focused on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor, with urban heritage being of only peripheral concern. Second, we explain how proposals made by international development partners for an overall heritage policy failed, as they conflicted with the rationality of land and power relations, leaving foreign consultants to renegotiate their position in Cambodian politics. Finally, we explore two case studies—the National Stadium and the Renakse Hotel—at the center of virulent, long-lasting political clashes between various forces that took root during the reconstruction of the Cambodian state in the 1980s and 1990s. Together with powerful individuals, families, and companies, the competition and tactical alliances between these forces shape the contested politics of urban heritage in the Cambodian capital.

Suggested Citation

  • Adèle Esposito & Gabriel Fauveaud, 2019. "The atomization of heritage politics in post-colonial cities: The case of Phnom Penh, Cambodia," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 37(4), pages 670-688, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:37:y:2019:i:4:p:670-688
    DOI: 10.1177/2399654418790766
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gavin Shatkin, 1998. "‘Fourth World’ Cities in the Global Economy: The Case of Phnom Penh, Cambodia," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 22(3), pages 378-393, September.
    2. François Bafoil, 2014. "Emerging Capitalism in Central Europe and Southeast Asia," Post-Print hal-01093561, HAL.
    3. Gabriel Fauveaud, 2016. "Residential Enclosure, Power and Relationality: Rethinking Sociopolitical Relations in Southeast Asian Cities," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(4), pages 849-865, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Quentin Stevens, 2020. "Decision-making processes for public memorials in Seoul: How well do they reflect and contribute to South Korea’s democracy?," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 38(7-8), pages 1328-1347, November.

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    Keywords

    Heritage; Asia; urban; power; politics;
    All these keywords.

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