A few weeks ago, almost a year to the day after he deposed First Prime Minister Norodom Ranariddh in a violent coup d’etat, Cambodian strongman (and Second Prime Minister) Hun Sen said that he did not plan to actively participate in the upcoming election campaign boasting that none of the other candidates can beat him. What would lead Hun Sen to suggest this? Many would contend that Hun Sen is acutely aware that the environment of fear and intimidation the he has created in Cambodia since last July’s coup – and the international community has permitted – will ensure his victory in the July 26th national elections.