Guerrilla History

Kit Klarenberg, an investigative journalist and UK Lead at The Grayzone, joins Nemanja Lukić, a Yugoslav anti-imperialist activist, to discuss NATO's bombing of Yugoslavia and its ongoing relevance today. They explore the historical and personal impacts of the campaign, the media's role in shaping narratives, and its implications for modern conflicts like those in Gaza. The conversation also touches on the environmental crises stemming from these interventions, highlighting the long-term effects of war on society and ecology.

In this exceptional episode of Guerrilla History, we continue our series African Revolutions and Decolonization by bringing back guest host Ruehl Muller, senior lecturer/associate professor at the Institute of Creativity and Innovation at Xiamen University in China (who has been in contact with the CPS for quite some time) and guest Bafanabakhe Sacolo of the Communist Party of Swaziland (both of whom were with us in our previous AR&D episode Struggle Against Africa's Last Absolute Monarchy).  This time, we discuss the construction of a culture to uphold the monarchy in Swaziland, the importance of cultural revolution in fighting against the monarchy, and the CPS's efforts on this front.  A massive and important conversation, you'll definitely want to share this with comrades!   Also subscribe to our Substack (free!) to keep up to date with what we are doing.  With so many episodes coming in this series (and beyond), you won't want to miss anything, so get the updates straight to your inbox.  guerrillahistory.substack.com   Bafanabakhe Sacolo is National Organizing Secretary of the Communist Party of Swaziland.  You can keep up to date with the CPS by following them on Facebook, on Twitter, or by checking out their website.   Ruehl Muller is senior lecturer/associate professor at the Institute of Creativity and Innovation at Xiamen University in China, and the editor of the fantastic Building a People’s Art: Selected Works of Trường Chinh and Tố Hữu (buy a physical copy or download the free PDF from Iskra Books). Help support the show by signing up to our patreon, where you also will get bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/guerrillahistory 

In this remastered episode of Guerrilla History (originally released in June 2022), we bring on a very special guest, Margrit Schiller!  Margrit was associated early on with the Red Army Faction, before being imprisoned and tortured by the West German state, being forced into exile in Cuba and Uruguay, and then having to move back to Germany more or less against her will.  A fascinating life story from someone just as committed to the struggle as ever! Margrit Schiller is author of Remembering the Armed Struggle: My Time with the Red Army Faction.  We highly recommend picking yourself up a copy from PM Press (https://pmpress.org/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1195).  Margrit's struggles within and against this system continue, and grabbing a copy of her book is a good way to help while we are still forced to operate within capitalism. Help support the show by signing up to our patreon, where you also will get bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/guerrillahistory 

Bafanabakhe Sacolo is the National Organizing Secretary of the Communist Party of Swaziland, advocating for the abolition of the monarchy and empowerment of the people. Joined by Ruehl Muller, a senior lecturer at Xiamen University, they discuss the historical and contemporary struggles against Swaziland’s absolute monarchy. Topics include the Tinkhundla system’s repression, the 2021 protests, and the urgent call for grassroots mobilization. Their conversation also highlights the importance of cultural revolution and international solidarity in the fight for justice.

Sardana Nikolaeva, an indigenous anthropologist, and Masha Kardashevskaya, a scholar of peace and conflict studies, explore the intricacies of indigenous methodologies. They discuss the ethical responsibilities of researchers, emphasizing empathy in understanding indigenous communities. The conversation highlights the complexities of legal recognition, cultural practices, and the environmental challenges these groups face. Additionally, they critique traditional ethnographic narratives and advocate for insider perspectives, while also promoting their upcoming multilingual podcast aimed at bridging cultural gaps.

Ahmad Shokr, a history professor at Swarthmore College and author of the upcoming book "Harvests of Liberation," dives into the Egyptian Revolution of 1952 and the subsequent rise of Nasser. He discusses the British colonial impact and how pre-revolutionary discontent among peasants set the stage for change. Shokr highlights the transformative 1940s, marked by industrial growth and political awakening, leading to Nasser's land reforms and struggles against external conflicts. Tune in for a fascinating look at the intricate dynamics of Nasserism and its implications for today's social justice movements.

In this engaging discussion, Stuart Davis, an Assistant Professor at Baruch College, and Greg Shupak, a Professor of English and Media Studies, delve into the power of media narratives and their role in shaping hegemonic discourses. They critique media portrayals in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, spotlighting the omission of genocide and the influence of corporate interests. The conversation also covers the impact of platforms like TikTok on geopolitical perceptions and the transformation of anti-China narratives in U.S. media, emphasizing the need for accurate reporting and diverse voices.

Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja, Professor Emeritus at UNC Chapel Hill and former DRC's UN representative, shares his insights on the complex history and current situation in Congo. He discusses the turbulent transition from Mobutu's regime and the rise of the M23 rebels, intricately tied to Rwanda's geopolitical interests. Nzongola-Ntalaja highlights the exploitation of Congo's rich resources, its devastating impacts on local communities, and the international community's role in these unfolding dramas. His profound understanding of Congolese history invites listeners to reflect on ongoing challenges.

Sardana Nikolaeva, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto and expert in indigenous anthropology, dives deep into the complex relationship between the Sakha people and diamond mining in Russia. She explores the historical and political landscape of the Sakha Republic, examining how extractivism impacts indigenous identities. The conversation highlights the ramifications of economic sanctions, the illusion of autonomy amid resource wealth, and the socio-cultural dilemmas faced by indigenous communities as they navigate the diamond industry.

With this episode of Guerrilla History, were continuing our series on African Revolutions and Decolonization with an outstanding case study on the Congo, looking at the process of colonization, how decolonization unfolded, Lumumba's short time as Prime Minister, and the transition to the Mobutu regime.  We really could not ask for a much better guest than Prof. Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja, who not only is one of the foremost experts in not only this history, but also served as a diplomat for the DRC.  We're also fortunate that the professor will be rejoining us for the next installment of the series, a dispatch on what is going on in the Eastern Congo and the roots of the ongoing conflict there.  Be sure to share this series with comrades, we are still in the very early phases of the planned ~40 parts, so it is a great time for them to start listening in as well!   Also subscribe to our Substack (free!) to keep up to date with what we are doing.  With so many episodes coming in this series (and beyond), you won't want to miss anything, so get the updates straight to your inbox.  guerrillahistory.substack.com   Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja is Professor Emeritus of African and Afro-American Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and previously served as the DRC's Permanent Representative to the United Nations.  Additionally, he is the author of numerous brilliant books, including Patrice Lumumba and The Congo from Leopold to Kabila: A People's History Help support the show by signing up to our patreon, where you also will get bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/guerrillahistory