Norodom Sihanouk (former king of Cambodia)

Norodom Sihanouk was a prominent Cambodian leader who served as king, prince, and prime minister over his long political career. He played a key role in Cambodia’s struggle for independence from France in 1953 and aimed to keep the country neutral during the Cold War. Sihanouk was known for his charm, diplomatic skills, and shifting political roles—they ranged from monarch to head of government to exile. Despite political upheavals, he remained a central figure in Cambodia’s history, influencing the country's path through colonialism, independence, and internal conflicts until his death in 2012.