Norodom Sihanouk and the formulation of Cambodian foreign policy (1953-1976) JeldresJulio Armando 2017 This research seeks to provide a critical case study in the formulation and implementation of foreign policy in Cambodia between 1953, when the country obtained independence from France until the mid-1970s, when Norodom Sihanouk, ceased to have any impact on the conduct of foreign policy in Cambodia. It seeks to investigate the use of the Cold War by Norodom Sihanouk to keep his country free from involvement in the war in Vietnam through a combination of shrewd political skills, unpredictable diplomacy and charm.