What Angkor Temples Whisper to Khmer People?: Redefining Cambodian Nationalism in the midst of Historical Warfare

Purpose: Through the years, nationalism has become a backbone of societies’ sovereignty and national security. However, it also has a record of being the root of the most destructive wars in human history. The research seeks to look at the Cambodian cultural heritage of Angkor temples through the lens of nationalism. It also highlights how the Angkor temples' symbols and legacies shaped Khmers' political views toward other races and nations, as well as the difficulties the nation faces in promoting peace in the modern day. Methods: The study is based on qualitative research design. The data collection is done through library and internet research, such as academic books, peer-reviewed articles, and social media, to explore the representation of Angkor temples among Cambodian people. Concerning the framework of analysis, the paper uses Historical Ethno-Symbolism by Smith (2022), which underscores the role of myths, symbols, values, and customs in the formation and continuation of the contemporary nation-state. Results: The findings indicate that although Angkor temples have become the symbol of Cambodian identity and bravery, Cambodians generally portray them in a way that incites animosity toward their neighbors. It is necessary to analyze both the resurgence of past hostilities and Cambodia's strong nationalism in order to create a path toward greater regional stability. Conclusion: The study examines the shared stories and symbols surrounding Angkor temples during the Khmer Empire. The purifying of ethnic groups may be a sign of Cambodian nationalism in this perspective. Current territorial disputes can be linked to the Khmer Empire's warfare history centered on the temples of Angkor. Presumably, the massive Cambodian diaspora, a result of the civil war, serves as a breeding ground for more radical forms of nationalism, which have sustained or even heightened hostility in Cambodia.