Similar to Mao's treatise on guerrilla warfare, this one offers more pragmatic considerations than that of Sun Tzu (although, there's truly nothing quite like Master Sun). It presents a more practical approach to the art of guerrilla warfare.
The text includes a somewhat sympathetic introductory essay by a person who presents a lukewarm critique of Guevara's foco theory of warfare. The very fact of Guevara's death while implementing this theory in Bolivia has discredited it to some extent. However, it's important to note that there is still value in examining his ideas.
The text of "Guerrilla Warfare" is accompanied by two essays of historical value, "Guerrilla Warfare: A Method" and "Message to the Tricontinental." These essays provide additional context and perspectives on the main ideas presented in the treatise.
The main essay extracts three basic propositions from the Cuban Revolution and attempts to generalize them. It argues that guerrillas can defeat regular militaries, create the objective revolutionary conditions for Marxism, and that rural areas are the principal theatre of armed operations. These propositions are enunciated on page one and developed with some rigor throughout the text.
The text engages in polemics, mostly in a covert manner, with various schools of leftwing thought, including both ultraleftists and proto-reformist liberal types. This helps to clarify and refine Guevara's ideas in relation to other leftist perspectives.
Some people like to accuse Guevara of being a murderer. While this may or may not be true, it's important to note that the text itself states: "Where a government has come into power through some form of popular vote, fraudulent or not, and maintains at least an appearance of constitutional legality, the guerrilla outbreak cannot be promoted, since the possibilities of peaceful struggle have not yet been exhausted." This shows that Guevara was not simply advocating for violence without consideration.
There is little concern with Clauswitzian analysis in this text. Instead, the guerrilla objective is to completely destroy the state's military power. The ultimate goal is always the assumption of political power on behalf of the working peoples, specifically the rural proletariat and the peasants, who are the main audience of Guevara's ideas.
For topical interest, there is a useful set of distinctions regarding sabotage and terrorism. Sabotage is considered valuable when the target is appropriate, while terrorism in its indiscriminate forms is seen as valueless. The text also notes that terrorism can have value only to the extent that it is used to eliminate a noted leader of the oppressing forces who is known for his cruelty or efficiency in repression.
There is a more conceptually detailed discussion of what it means to be part of a guerrilla group. The "suburban warfare" section is particularly interesting, and it's also nice to see Guevara's cute diagrams of how to make a Molotov cocktail gun. Overall, this text is highly recommended for leftists, peasants, and college students who may be suffering from ennui.
5 stars on the review and my name probably on a government watch list, this book was worth it!
This statement immediately grabs the reader's attention. The idea of receiving 5 stars for a review is quite remarkable, indicating that the book must have had some truly outstanding qualities. However, the mention of the name potentially being on a government watch list adds an element of mystery and intrigue.
It makes one wonder what kind of content the book contains that could lead to such a consequence. Was it controversial? Did it expose some hidden truth? Or perhaps it was simply so thought-provoking that it made the powers that be take notice.
Despite the potential implications, the author still proclaims that the book was worth it. This shows a certain level of courage and conviction. It suggests that the value of the book,无论是 in terms of its entertainment, educational, or enlightening aspects, outweighed any potential negative consequences.
Overall, this short statement leaves the reader with a sense of curiosity and a desire to know more about the book and the reasons behind the author's bold claim.