Novara Media Downstream: Exposing the Lies of the 20th Century w/ Tariq Ali
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Jan 19, 2026 Tariq Ali, a seasoned left-wing writer and activist, dives deep into the shadows of 20th-century history. He discusses how pivotal events like the Cultural Revolution shaped anti-colonial struggles across Asia and critiques the often-omitted role of the Soviet Union in World War II narratives. Ali also warns about the decline of media expertise since the Cold War, linking it to the rise of public distrust. He contextualizes NATO's eastward expansion and its implications, while reflecting on today's political landscape and the challenges facing the British left.
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First Protest Against US Injustice
- Tariq Ali organized his first demonstration at age 14–15 against the US death sentence of Jimmy Wilson and marched to the American consulate.
- The consul general reported the students but the school principal defended their action, reinforcing Ali's early politicization.
Chinese Revolution Shaped Post‑Colonial Politics
- The Chinese Revolution and anti-colonial victories deeply shaped post-colonial South Asian politics and student activism.
- Tariq Ali links that influence directly to British Vietnam solidarity campaigns and youth mobilisation in the 1960s.
Teach WWII As Multiple Conflicts
- World War II should be taught as multiple overlapping wars: Japanese aggression in Asia, the Eastern front, and Western campaigns.
- Neglecting China and the Soviet Union's central roles produces a one-sided historical narrative.
