The Pete Quiñones Show The Baader–Meinhof Gang (Rote Armee Fraktion) with Thomas777 - Complete
Oct 3, 2025
In this discussion, Thomas777, a writer and podcaster specializing in Cold War history, dives deep into the complexities of the Baader–Meinhof Gang. He explains how this radical group transcended typical 1968 protests, revealing their ties to nationalism and anti-Zionism. Thomas also explores the RAF's connections with the East German Stasi and Palestinian factions, their strategic failures, and high-profile actions like the Lufthansa 181 hijacking. Listeners will gain insight into the radical ideologies and backgrounds that fueled their notorious campaigns.
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RAF As Dialectical Vanguard
- The RAF positioned itself as a dialectical 'fract' vanguard within a larger revolutionary process rather than just radicalized students.
- Thomas777 argues this framing explains their ideological depth and strategic ambitions beyond 1968-style protest.
Complex Left-Right Mix
- The RAF blended strands from East German state security and European liberationist currents, complicating simple left/right labels.
- Thomas777 highlights Horst Mahler as an example of nationalist currents coexisting with RAF strategy.
DDR Anti‑Zionist Foreign Policy
- Warsaw Pact states, especially the DDR, framed anti-Zionism and hostility to Israel as key foreign-policy priorities.
- Thomas777 says this shaped RAF alliances and target choices in the 1970s and beyond.
