Ep 219: Stephen Platt on Mao's China and the Original Marine Raider
School of War
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Observations from the Frontlines
This chapter explores a military observer's experiences with the Eighth Route Army, focusing on key figures like Zhu De, and the complexities of communist and Kuomintang interactions during a time of Japanese aggression. The observer grapples with the nuances of guerrilla warfare while navigating a lack of political insight and misinterpretations of communism's alignment with democratic values. As he grows emotionally connected to the Chinese cause, he takes a stand against isolationism by resigning from his military position to advocate for support against Japanese imperialism.
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