Politikoffee

[In the country’s north and northwest, more than 20,000 Cambodians remain displaced – unable to return home because their villages are occupied by Thai soldiers amid the latest flareups on the border.]

We're seeking advice and discussion with veterans on how to stay principled, grounded, and optimistic in an age of attention-seeking, instant gratification, and shortcut success, particularly when #democracy appears to be losing ground in the contest of ideas with #autocracy.

Once drinking coffee and discussing #PoliticsKH become addictive, it's hard to quit, even in an increasingly restricted #civicspace. Politics is not something separate from citizens as we are all political animals. #ElectionsKH #Cambodia #Politikoffee

#CivicSpace is shrinking & fragmenting into siloed groups of #youthKh & informal networks. #Politikoffee has shifted from weekly public forums to private, small-scale discussions in cafés and homes among core members. Still, we remain sanguine as the spirit of democracy persists.

Over a decade of youth's political discussions, #Politikoffee has grown from a weekly open forum into specialized youth groups tracking China, ASEAN, EU, local politics, law, trade, biz & media. Specialized groups meet monthly for analysis and every 3 months for open discussions.

Mr. Ambassador #DerekYip🙏#Australia's support and care for #Cambodia's #democracy, #civicspace and sustainable development, and the honor you offered to #Politikoffee are highly commendable. This conclave is of a big motivation for us to commit more to promoting #civicengagement

#Politikoffee invites our members for a coffee discussion with Mr. Chhengpor, policy researcher, on #Vietnam’s middle power and technology statecraft. Lessons for other middle and emerging countries. What does it mean for #Cambodia?

Rich & intimate discussions with veteran analyst Mr OK Serei SopheaK on “Cambodia’s Democratic Crossroads: Post-EU Sanctions Threat.” #Cambodia faces a challenging balancing act: relying on China's raw materials, factories, technology vs. depending on the US & EU's large markets.

Hosting a conclave with #Politikoffee's generation leaders. We're tackling the big question: How can we continue to make even the smallest contribution to #Cambodia's democratization process amidst a repressed civic space? #Democracy #CivicEngagement #YouthKH #YouthLeadership

Our forum always happens on Saturday afternoon. But, this Sunday, join us for an extraordinary #Politikoffee discussion on a critical global issue: "#NorthKorea’s Military Involvement in the #Russia-#Ukraine War: A Prelude to Total War or World War III?"

Super engaging! Today's #Politikoffee topic is 'Psychology of Lie, Truth, & Power,' reflecting on Prof. John Mearsheimer’s book 'Why Leaders Lie: The Truth About Lying in International Politics', comparing it with #Buddha’s teachings on abstaining from lies, one of the 5 precepts

#MechDara stands among the most daring independent investigative journalists. Financially poor, yet he is rich in fostering social progress, courage, friendship, honesty & support. Leaving🇰🇭, 🇺🇸Amb Murphy tweeted, “Cambodian friends-take good care of @MechDara1. He’s a treasure!”