Sam Rainsy is one of the most internationally respected politician and pro-democracy activist in Cambodia today. Born into a powerful family in the capital of his homeland, Rainsy grew up with the future king and several political leaders. After his country was invaded and the government disrupted, a divisive fallout ensued which led to Rainsy and his family fleeing to Europe. A hard working student he was educated from a series of prestigious schools. He used his education to enter the world of finance and economics, where he rapidly prospered. Back in his homeland, the political situation stabilized, and he was able to return home to participate in the government. After the winds of revolution blew once more, he returned to exile in Europe. Following numerous convictions and accusations followed by royal pardons, he was able to return to his homeland to form the backbone of a democratic opposition to the misrule of the leading party. After high level intervention by international leaders, he was permitted to advocate for democracy and financial transparency, although not without much resistance from ruling factions. Although elderly, Rainsy continues to be a stalwart defender of freedom in his homeland today and hopes to change his country into a fully functional democratic nation under his political leadership