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Yes, the Khmer Rouge regime exhibited strong ethnonationalist tendencies, contributing to the Cambodian genocide.
Here's a breakdown of how ethnonationalism was evident in their rule:

1. Extreme Khmer Nationalism:

The Khmer Rouge idealized the ancient Angkor Empire and the Khmer race, promoting a sense of Khmer supremacy and a desire to restore Cambodia's past glory.
They viewed Cambodia as being threatened by historical enemies, particularly Vietnam and Thailand, and their allies, fueling a xenophobic form of nationalism.

2. "Purification" and Ethnic Cleansing:

Driven by a vision of a pure Khmer society, the Khmer Rouge sought to eliminate anything deemed "impure" or foreign.
This involved persecution and violence against various groups, including:
Ethnic minorities: Particularly the Cham, Vietnamese, and Chinese.
Religious groups: Buddhist monks, Christians, and Muslims were targeted.
Educated elites and intellectuals: Doctors, lawyers, teachers, and even those who wore glasses were deemed enemies.

3. Forced Khmerization:

The Khmer Rouge aimed to force cultural assimilation, requiring minorities to abandon their distinct cultures and adopt Khmer language, customs, and names.
They banned cultural practices, religions, and languages aside from Khmer, further suppressing minority identities.

4. Propaganda and Fear:

The regime disseminated propaganda that portrayed minorities as threats to Khmer purity and national security, fueling hatred and violence.
They instilled fear and paranoia, creating a climate of terror that allowed them to maintain control and carry out their policies.
In conclusion, while the Khmer Rouge espoused communist ideology, their extreme Khmer nationalism and policies of "purification" and ethnic cleansing clearly demonstrate strong ethnonationalist elements in their regime.