Democratic Kampuchea

Democratic Kampuchea is one of the three Satellite States of China and it has control over Cambodia. It has good GDP and IC to manpower ratio. Plenty of land leaders and reserve manpower. Very high neutrality but moderate Unity. Operating in a region of fairly low infrastructure. Good metal, rares, and energy for a small industry.

Democratic Kampuchea is one of the toughest small countries to play, you'll need a lot of luck to have any success.

And, if you're trying for an historical outcome, then you'll absolutely need this strategy guide.

Technology
Don't wait to upgrade at the end, instead, upgrade each Corps as they are deployed, and before the next corps is placed in the build queue.

Must have at least 1,000 infantry before campaigning. Can fudge a little on militia, by upgrading only their defensiveness.

The army will need Blitzkrieg 1, Mass Assault 1, Infantry Warfare 1, and Assault Concentration 1 before setting out to do battle.

Once war breaks out, research combat medicine and first aid to help reduce casualties.

Keep Production Efficiency in the queue or at the top of the queue until your down to your last Corps.

Distribution of Leadership Split leadership between diplomacy and espionage until you have ten (10) domestic spies and 40-50 diplomatic points.

Focus like a laser on technology during the build cycle. During periods of upgrade (in between building corps) switch all leadership to officer recruitment (using the 3-yr draft), until reaching 140% officers while still growing the army (at least 100% later on). Switch back to technology once the upgrade cycle is complete (or reaching 140% whichever comes first).

Diplomacy
Don't go to war with Thailand in 1978. Instead, become a ruthless war profiteer and trade with both sides. You'll not be going to war until you:

a) Have sufficient forces in place, AND

b) Have a reason to do so.

Alliances
Democratic Kampuchea starts in an alliance with Romania (Warsaw Pact Member), which you should break immediately because it will only serve to deplete your resources. Plus you are already a membet of the Comintern Pact

Also, don't give transit rights to either side, no matter what.

Decisions

If you elect to war with Thailand as a China ally, the chances of success are not that bad.

Politics
Democratic Kampuchea should flirt with the Vietnamese for much of the game, but maintain a separate stance in order to "keep what you conquer."

Ministers

Laws While in the build cycle use Heavy Industry and Volunteer Army. Then, for the upgrade cycle, use Consumer Product Orientation and three-year draft (or the highest level draft available).

Go no higher than Full Mobilization until you solve the energy problem, then go with War Economy.

When actually at war use Universal Conscription. If you are no longer building anything, reduce to Full Civilian Economy to save on resources and money.