A Century of Genocide - Book Report/Review Example

He depicts the searing brutality of Cambodian genocide of ethnic nationals from 1975 to 1979 and conveys the message that the scenario on which this genocide was based was extreme pandemonium and social instability. According to Weitz (p. 145), the Khmer which is classified as a genocidal regime sought to create a "homogeneous, perfect society" that was self-sufficient and modern. Khmer policies led to social disruption and economic misbalance in the first two years which mounted after 1977 with the looming prospect of Vietnam War and the regime set out to destroy all those who held to their traditional beliefs and ways of life.

The large-scale massacre of the enemies was considered an essential step to be taken by the Khmer to reach Utopia. The convincing style used by the author to details all the complexities involved in the ravaging genocide plays an integral role in conveying the message that Cambodian genocide was based on a vision of a communist utopia that resulted in the largest population decline of any country since 1945.