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The Raider: China and the Life of Evans Carlson, with Historian Stephen Platt

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Jun 11, 2025

Guest

Stephen R. Platt

Stephen Platt, a UMass Amherst historian and author of 'The Raider', discusses Evans Carlson, a transformative yet underrecognized Marine in WWII. He explores Carlson's ideological evolution, his intricate relationships with figures like FDR, and the impact of his experiences in China on his worldview. The conversation delves into Carlson's unique leadership style, his 'Gung Ho' meetings, and the broader implications for Sino-American relations. Platt also shares engaging insights about his own literary passions and the legacies of historical figures.

01:22:06

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INSIGHT

Admiration of Chinese Communists

Carlson admired Chinese communists as disciplined, democratic volunteers rather than Soviet-controlled agents.
He valued their espirit de corps and endurance in hardship as the core of their military strength.

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INSIGHT

Carlson's Support for Chinese Unity

Carlson supported a united front between Mao and Chiang Kai-shek during WWII, unaware of Stalin's behind-the-scenes influence.
He advocated for Chinese unity and believed the communists' democratic stance was genuine at that time.

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ANECDOTE

Secret Correspondent to FDR

Carlson served as a personal secret correspondent to President Franklin D. Roosevelt during 1937-1940s, bypassing official channels.
He was honored to be FDR's trusted source for straightforward updates about China and its complex politics.

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Evans Carlson: A Marine's Transformative Journey

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Connections in Conflict: The Legacy of Evans Carlson

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Exploring Time Travel and Musical Passions

01:04:47 • 2min

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Exploring Obscure Music and Historical Fiction Gems

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Exploring History and Culture Through Film and Literature

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The Raider by Stephen R. Platt tells the story of Evans Carlson, a controversial Marine Corps officer who commanded America's first special forces during World War II. Carlson's life was marked by his involvement with Chinese communist forces and his role in introducing guerrilla tactics to the U.S. military. The book explores Carlson's exploits and the cultural misunderstandings that shaped U.S. -China relations.

This week on Sinica, I chat with Stephen Platt, historian at UMass Amherst and author, most recently, of the book The Raider: The Untold Story of a Renegade Marine and the Birth of U.S. Special Forces in World War II. Like his previous works, Autumn in the Heavenly Kingdom and Imperial Twilight, it offers a compelling narrative history of an overlooked chapter through a deeply empathetic and well-researched examination of individual lives. Please make sure to listen to the excerpt from the audiobook at the end of this podcast.

04:21 - Evans Carlson: A forgotten hero

07:49 - The Real Carlson vs. the constructed Carlson

10:04 - The book's origin

12:20 - Carlson's ideological transformation

16:50 - Carlson's religious beliefs and public perception

20:04 - Emerson's influence on Carlson's thinking

23:46 - Inner conflicts: Soul-searching or regret?

27:15 - Carlson's relationship with President Franklin D. Roosevelt

30:39 - Gung Ho Meetings: meaning, practice, and legacy

33:34 - Zhu De’s influence on Carlson

40:28 - Carlson’s relationships with Agnes Smedley and Edgar Snow

47:49 - Hopes for U.S.-China alliance

51:57 - Carlson’s death and his legacy

58:01 - Lessons from Carlson

Paying it Forward: Peter Thilly, Emily Mokros

Recommendations:

Stephen: 11.22.63 by Stephen King; Ted Chiang (author); Otoboke Beaver (band); Book of Mormon (musical)

Kaiser: Wobbler (band); The Religion by Tim Willocks; Zappa (2020)

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