Colonisation in the Indian subcontinent was a different experience when compared to the invasions in the Americas or Russia. In 1600, the Indian subcontinent (that is modern-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar) was an ancient civilisation of huge diversity. The whole country had a centralised government run by the Mughals, alongside some 500 distinct but powerful and equally ancient kingdoms.

The Khmer Rouge regime frequently arrested and often executed anyone suspected of connections with the former Cambodian government or with foreign governments, as well as professionals, intellectuals, Buddhist monks and ethnic minorities. The regime attempted to purify Cambodian society along racial, social and political lines. Cambodia's previous military and political leadership, business leaders, journalists, students, doctors, and lawyers were all killed.