Synopses & Reviews
Looking at a range of global historical experiences,
Arms and the People examines the relationship between mass movements and military institutions. Some argue that it is impossible to achieve and protect a revolution without the support of the army, but how can the support of the army be won?
Arms and the People explores the impact of profound social polarisation on the internal cohesion of the states ‘armed bodies of men and on the contested loyalties of soldiers. The different contributors examine a series of historical moments in which a crisis in the military institution has reflected a deeper social crisis which has penetrated that institution and threatened to disable it.
With a range of international contributors who have either studied or been directly involved in such social upheavals, Arms and the People is a pioneering contribution to the study of revolutionary change and will appeal to students and academics in history, politics and sociology.
Synopsis
This collection examines the relationship between mass movements and the military. Some argue that it is impossible to achieve and protect a revolution without the support of the army, but how can the support of the army be won? Arms and the People explores the impact of social extremes on the solidarity within the state's military, and on the changing loyalties of these soldiers. The authors examine a series of historical moments in which a crisis in the military has reflected deep instability in the wider world, including Russia in 1917, Egypt during the Arab Spring, the Paris Commune, as well as long-standing instability in Venezuela and Indonesia, amongst many others. Including a range of international authors who have either studied or been directly involved in such social upheavals, Arms and the People is a pioneering contribution to the study of revolutionary change.
Synopsis
Draws on a range of global historical experiences to examine the relationship between mass movements and military institutions.
About the Author
Mike Gonzalez is professor emeritus of Latin American studies at University of Glasgow in Scotland.Houman Barekat is a London-based writer and editor of the literary journal Review 31. He has contributed to various publications including Tribune, Art & Music and the Los Angeles Review of Books, and has reviewed for academic journals including International Affairs and Capital and Class.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Soldiers and Revolution
1. Soldiers, Sailors and Revolution: Russia 1917 / Mike Haynes
2. An Army in Revolt: Germany 1918-19 / Volkard Moser
3. Nation against Nation: Italy 1919-21 / Megan Trudell
4. Soldiers on the Side of the People: Portugal 1974 / Peter Robinson
The Popular Forces Mobilise
5. Militia and Workers State: Paris 1871 / Donny Gluckstein
6. The People in Arms: Spain 1936 / Andy Durgan
7. Never ‘One Hand: Egypt 2011 / Philip Marfleet
Guerrilla Wars and the Limits of Imperial Power
8. People Change: American Solidiers and Marines in Vietnam / Jonathan Neale
9. Crazy Little Armies: Guerrilla Strategy in Latin America, 1958 - 1990 / Mike Gonzalez
Counter-Revolution and the Military
10. The Iron Fist: Chile 1973 / Mike Gonzalez
11. Reaction and Slaughter: Indonesia 1965-66 / Nathaniel Mehr
The Civic-Military Alliance
12. Storming the Ramparts of Tyranny: Egypt & Iraq 1945-63 / Anne Alexander
13. The Civic-Military Alliance: Venezuela 1958-1990 / Douglas Bravo & Mike Gonzalez
Index