10/6: SOCI 420 - Anti Communism and the War Against the Third World

Review Instructions for Artists

• At the end of the week, comments will be provided on submissions.

• Possible stipulations in comments include specific requirements such as artist statements being four pages long.

• Students are encouraged to answer questions in the comments section on Canvas regarding their projects.

• Comments tailored to each student's specific project due to different interests involved.

Anti-Communism and the War Against the Third World

• Focus of today's discussion will include:

  • Reconceptualization of the Civil War.

  • Examination of conflicts in different regions: Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Southern South America.

  • Discussion of the "Jakarta Method" based on the provided readings.

  • Wrap-up of the long section on colonialism and imperialism.

  • Transition to topics of revolution and social movements.

Conceptualization of the Cold War

• Traditional Narrative:

  • Viewed as a battle between the West and the East, or capitalism versus communism (U.S. vs. Soviet Union).

• Alternative Perspective:

  • Manifested as the U.S. and Western allies attacking countries in the Global South.

  • Seen as an anti-communist crusade suppressing national liberation struggles rather than simply opposing communism.

• Quotation by Pavel Vargan:

  • "The Cold War between the Eastern and Western nations alchemized into an apocalypse assault by the North against the South."

  • Indicates the extensive violence and loss of life from Korea to South America.

• Consequences:

  • Massive civilian casualties primarily affecting the Global South, framed as an imperialist war against national liberation movements.

Case Studies in the Cold War Context

Coups in the Third World

• Historical context regarding U.S.-led coups:

  • Removal of leaders in post-colonial countries when they appear to threaten Western corporate interests.

  • Example policies: Nationalization of industries, land reforms, import substitution industrialization.

• CIA orchestration of coups in response to anti-imperialist movements.

Anti-Communism Defined

• Anti-Communism as a distinct ideology:

  • Separate from mere criticism of communist policies or countries.

  • Functioned to uphold and preserve capitalism against any perceived threats.

  • Historical examples tie back to fascism and Nazism as antecedents of anti-communism.

• Importance of preventing countries from leaving the capitalist sphere for control of resources and markets.

The Domino Theory

• Idea prevalent among U.S. policymakers:

  • If one country becomes communist, surrounding nations are likely to follow, triggering broader communist influence.

• Emphasis on the need to prevent a domino effect through military and political intervention.

Korean War

• Context:

  • Korea was previously colonized by Japan, with U.S. and Soviet forces occupying after Japan's defeat in WWII.

  • Resulted in a divided Korea (U.S. in the South, Soviet in the North).

• Impact of the Korean War:

  • Civilian devastation, with millions of Koreans killed.

  • Massive U.S. bombing campaign resulting in significant destruction of infrastructure.

  • Statistics: 85% of North Korean buildings destroyed, which is more bombs than used in the Pacific during WWII.

Vietnam War

• Historical background:

  • Vietnam transitioned from French colonial control to a divided state post-WWII.

  • U.S. supported a government in South Vietnam after 1954 Geneva Conference split the country.

• Guerrilla warfare emerged in the South, supported by North Vietnam.

• Civilian harm:

  • Millions of Vietnamese people killed; the U.S. casualties were significantly fewer.

  • Use of toxic herbicides leading to long-term health issues in Vietnam.

Indonesian Mass Killings (1965-66)

• Context:

  • Indonesia gained independence, with Sukarno as leader, a nationalist and anti-imperialist.

  • Presence of a strong communist party.

• U.S. intervention:

  • Support for conservative factions and direct military support for a coup by General Suharto, leading to mass killings.

• Bevan's argument:

  • The systematic extermination of an estimated 1 million people labeled as leftists or merely accused of leftist sympathies.

  • The U.S. provided arms and intelligence, indicating complicity in these atrocities.

Operation Condor in South America

• Overview:

  • U.S. support for military regimes in multiple South American countries (1960s-80s).

  • The systematic repression and murder of leftists under the justification of stopping communism.

• Statistics:

  • Approximately 60,000 to 80,000 people killed, significant imprisonment numbers.

• Tactics included abductions, disappearances, and death flights.

  • Assumed complicity and support from the U.S. in these activities.

The Jakarta Method

• Defined as:

  • The systematic rounding up and killing of leftists to suppress opposition.

  • A method employed by the U.S. to establish favorable political orders and maintain control over geopolitical landscapes.

Modern Implications of Historical Patterns

• Topics reflect a legacy of imperial violence since the 1700s.

• The continuity of anti-communism as a justification for violence turns to current narratives of terrorism.

• Need for awareness on how language and labels shape political narratives and justify actions against perceived threats.

Discussion Points for Students

• Consider the shifting labels (e.g., communist to terrorist) and their implications for political actions.

• Reflect on lessons from the Jakarta Method and current political discourse on leftist movements and organizations.

• Analyze historical and modern perspectives on imperialism and its evolving justifications throughout time.