Blowback

Explore the intense Cold War dynamics as Carter shifts U.S. policy towards Africa amid rising tensions. Delve into Savimbi's operations in Angola and his attempts to frame UNITA as an anti-Soviet ally, alongside South Africa's aggressive strategies to assert regional control. Unpack the complex interplay of international relations, domestic political fallout, and the human cost of conflict in Angola. Discover how these events shaped the trajectory of U.S. foreign policy leading into the 1980 election.

Explore the tangled web of Angola's conflict, where Portuguese rule collapses amid multiple factions vying for power. Uncover the surprising role of foreign backers, including Cuba and the CIA, in shaping the war's outcome. Delve into the U.S. political scandal over covert aid and the legislative pushback that followed. Discover the tensions in Carter's administration regarding Africa and the Cuban military's impactful involvement. Join the hosts as they reveal the brutal realities of the Kasinga massacre and the complexities of international diplomacy.

Dive into the tumultuous history of Angola's decolonization, where colonial wars sparked a fierce battle for independence. Discover how Portugal's Carnation Revolution set the stage for chaos among rival factions, and learn about the CIA's covert operations and the U.S. concerns over Soviet influence. Explore the unexpected alliances, including South Africa's intervention and Cuba's military support for the MPLA. Witness the dramatic events leading to Angola's independence day and the lasting implications of foreign interventions on the nation’s future.

Get ready for a thrilling sneak peek into what’s coming in 2026! The hosts unveil an exciting new comic book project about Cold War spies in Italy. They also introduce a captivating miniseries that delves into the intricate U.S.–Israel relationship. Plus, find out about a price change for subscriptions starting January 1. Don't miss the chance to lock in the current rate before it goes up!

Angolan anti-colonial rebels take center stage as they challenge Portuguese rule. Explore Cuba's significant role in supporting African revolutions. The rise of the MPLA and FNLA highlights competing nationalist interests. Tension escalates with Portugal's brutal reprisals and the international community's reactions. Discover the dynamics of U.S., Soviet, and Chinese involvement in the conflict. Plus, delve into South Africa's fears of a nationalist Angola. A thrilling journey through a critical period in African history.

Explore the complexities of the Portuguese empire in southern Africa and the roots of nationalism in Angola. Delve into the impact of colonialism, the slave trade, and the rise of nationalist movements. The discussion highlights the systemic exploitation in Angola's diamond industry, forced labor scandals, and the tension between settlers and indigenous populations. Key figures like Agostinho Neto and Jonas Savimbi emerge, alongside a look at geopolitical influences during the Cold War. This rich narrative unveils the intertwining of history, culture, and resistance.

Dive into the tangled history of Angola, Cuba, and apartheid South Africa during the Cold War. Discover how Mandela's alliances with Castro played a pivotal role in challenging apartheid. Explore the shadowy world of mercenaries and the nuclear tensions that escalated fears globally. Delve into the story of Jonas Savimbi, whose complex legacy and brutal actions complicate Western narratives. Uncover the colonial roots that led to the fierce nationalism in Angola and the geopolitical chess game that ensued.

Delve into the dramatic twist of the Cold War as Cuba intervenes in Angola to defend its newfound independence. Discover the complexities of global politics with apartheid South Africa and the CIA backing a notorious warlord. The narrative promises a gripping exploration of rebellion, rivalry, and the quest for freedom in a pivotal period of history.

Dive into the complexities of Cambodia's recovery after the Khmer Rouge, navigating its intricate political shifts in the 1990s. Experience vivid personal stories of landmine victims and the haunting legacy of Pol Pot. Explore the challenges of justice through the Cambodian Genocide Tribunal and reflect on the deep impact of historical trauma on modern Khmer life. Uncover the economic divergence between Cambodia and Vietnam post-2009, along with the geopolitical tensions shaping U.S.-China relations.

This discussion dives into the tumultuous end of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and the complex geopolitics that followed. It highlights Prince Noradam Sihanouk's desperate attempts for freedom while navigating international diplomacy. The aftermath of the Khmer Rouge's regime is examined, detailing the struggles of reconstruction and the U.S. tactics supporting a Khmer Rouge resurgence. The podcast also explores the harrowing refugee crisis at the Thai-Cambodian border and the chaotic rise of warlords amid calls for justice.