The book "Guerrilla Warfare" was written by the Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara. He started writing it immediately after the success of the Cuban Revolution and it was published in 1961. Soon, the book gained a referential scientific value for all revolutionaries and guerrilla fighters in different countries around the world. Guevara's aim was for it to be a practical scientific reference for guerrilla warfare for all revolutionary movements in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. He detailed and expounded his theory - the foco theory - in it. However, the book was also studied by counter-revolutionaries and reactionaries. He put forward his famous theory that guerrilla warfare should only be used against dictatorial systems, except for political liberation operations and the achievement of civil rights from any guerrilla war or violent or armed revolutionary movements. Guevara dedicated the book to his comrade-in-arms and friend Camilo Cienfuegos for him to review and comment on, but unfortunately, fate decided that Camilo would die in an accident in the Atlantic Ocean and he passed away there.

Although outdated and primarily written as a guerilla warfare manual specifically for the jungle geography of Cuba, it holds great significance.

It offers an interesting recollection of Che's experiences during the Cuban revolution.

Moreover, it serves as a collection of general guidelines on how to combat an overwhelmingly superior enemy.

By leveraging the scarce resources, a small number of fighters, and the lack of infrastructure, along with the geography and the local disenfranchised populace, it shows the way to overthrow a government that has forfeited the trust of its people.

This manual provides valuable insights into the strategies and tactics employed during a revolutionary struggle, highlighting the importance of adaptability, resourcefulness, and the power of the people.

It is a testament to Che's vision and leadership, and continues to be studied and analyzed by scholars and revolutionaries alike.

Another read for my class on decolonization / people's war was truly fascinating. It was really interesting to listen to him discuss how to carry out education and industry during the ongoing war. The author provided valuable insights into the complex strategies and considerations involved in such a situation.

Moreover, towards the end of the book, when he specifically delved into the Cuban situation and the challenges it encounters after the revolution, I gained a great deal of knowledge. It was eye-opening to understand the unique circumstances and the arduous path that Cuba had to traverse.

Additionally, it was also interesting to observe that this text was one of the many that had a significant impact on other global movements in the 1960s and 1970s. Its ideas and concepts inspired and influenced countless individuals and groups around the world, contributing to the broader wave of social and political change during that era. Overall, this read was both educational and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on me.

Read this leading up to a solidarity trip I went on to Cuba with a faith organization. The Christians I met in Cuba love Che, which is truly fascinating. I have no knowledge of military doctrine and tactics, so a significant portion of this book was somewhat beyond my comprehension. However, I did find this little comment by Che amusing:

"There is a malevolent definition that says: 'The guerrilla fighter is the Jesuit of warfare.' By this is indicated a quality of secretiveness, of treachery, of surprise that is obviously an essential element of guerrilla warfare. It is a special kind of Jesuitism, naturally prompted by circumstances, which necessitates acting at certain moments in ways different from the romantic and sporting conceptions with which we are taught to believe war is fought."

Fidel was famously educated by Jesuits. Frei Betto (a Dominican) presented Fidel with a Jesuit insignia (ecce panis angelorum / "behold, the bread of the angels"), which is now on display at the Fidel Castro Center in Havana. I also found this mention of clergy by Che interesting:

"The spy ought to seem as neutral as possible, not known by the enemy to have any connection with the forces of liberation. This is not as difficult a task as it appears; many such persons are found in the course of the war: businessmen, professional men, and even clergymen can lend their help in this type of task and provide timely information."

During our time in Cuba, we met people who knew some of these clerics Che mentions here. While in Cuba, we spent some time at the Dora E. Valentín Presbyterian Reformed Church in Varadero, named after one of these Christians that Che speaks of. She was married to a central figure in Cuban liberation theology, Sergio Arce. This is a small passage about them from Ary Fernández Albán's doctoral dissertation:

"Clandestine efforts were underway in various urban centers. Some young people of [Sergio Arce's] congregation were involved to different degrees in the struggle against Batista’s dictatorship. One of them was Aleida March, the young woman who later married Ernesto “Che” Guevara. Arce and Dora joined the civic resistance, collaborating in different ways: distributing materials and political propaganda, covering with his “moral authority of pastor” some clandestine actions of some of his parishioners, and interceding on behalf of members of the 26th of July movement in jail." (p. 50-51)

A surprisingly practical text, focused mostly on building and maintaining ascetic revolutionary discipline.

It emphasizes the importance of self-restraint and dedication in the pursuit of revolutionary goals. The author argues that there will be plenty of time for hedonism when power has been firmly seized.

Until then, any compromise is seen as a dangerous trap that the enemies will exploit.

However, I deducted a star because Che seems to engage in a bit too much hero worship for my liking.

While Fidel was indeed a remarkable figure, I'm not convinced that building a cult around the dear leader is beneficial.

It may lead to blind following and a lack of critical thinking, which could potentially undermine the revolutionary cause.

Nevertheless, the text still offers valuable insights into the challenges and strategies of revolutionary struggle.

In the extensive volumes dedicated to the study of the art and science of warfare, Che Guevara holds a significant position when it comes to understanding the minds of asymmetric fighters across the globe.

His philosophy and tactics have exerted a profound influence over the past 50 years, particularly in Central and South America, with the Sandinistas being a notable example.

Nevertheless, his work has limitations and is skewed by his political beliefs and the flaws of those in his circle. He fails to recognize the hypocrisy of those he lauds.

From a tactician's perspective, Che offers relatively little knowledge on the subject, especially when compared to T.E. Lawrence's "Seven Pillars of Wisdom."

This is mainly because his writings are tailored for Marxist revolutionaries, in contrast to other writers who attempt to codify the tactics and strategies of asymmetric warfare.

As a result, a more comprehensive and objective understanding of asymmetric warfare requires a consideration of multiple sources and perspectives, rather than relying solely on Che Guevara's work.

Finally, I read this book which I picked up in the charity shop many moons ago. It is very dated and often has a malign influence. There are plenty of ideas like 'if we create more violence people will see the system is violent and then rebel'. However, this has not been borne out by events and it is a ghastly way of approaching political action. Nevertheless, the book is full of interesting observations on organising, tactics and the rural/urban political divides. Also, in the edition that I read, it includes the extraordinary 'Tricontinental' speech. This speech provides unique insights into the political landscape of that time. Despite its flaws, the book offers valuable perspectives that can still be relevant today when considering different approaches to political change and social organisation. It serves as a reminder of the complex and often controversial nature of political thought and action throughout history.

This article contains very useful lessons for anyone, not just leftists. In fact, upon closer examination, I discovered that it contains very little specifically leftist rhetoric. This was truly a refreshing find. It offers a unique perspective that can be beneficial to a wide range of individuals, regardless of their political leanings. The ideas presented are not confined to a particular ideological framework but rather have the potential to resonate with people from all walks of life. It provides valuable insights and teachings that can help us better understand various aspects of life and society. Whether you are a leftist or not, there is much to be gained from reading and reflecting on this article.

Che Guevara, one of the prominent leaders and heroes of the Cuban Revolution, generalized the experience of the Cuban Revolution. Here, the mind of the Cuban Revolution presents its extracts from the actual field experience, establishing the theory of the guerrilla vanguard, which was like a revolutionary opening and a saying that aroused a lot of debate. Besides, Guevara links the topics of the revolutionary war with the topics of the struggle against imperialism in Latin America and attacks with all revolutionary spirit the American imperialist corridor, its aggression against Cuba and the struggle for the sovereignty of the people.

Another point in the book is the adoption of the theory of the vanguard on the peasant masses. The countryside is the ideal environment for the people's armed war, and the peasants are the soldiers of the revolution in the circumstances of Latin America as in the circumstances of victorious China..

The book is rich and great, like everything that Guevara brought...

It was truly an enjoyable read. The content provided some interesting and useful tactics that I'm really looking forward to putting to good use in Starcraft 2. I've always been passionate about this game and constantly on the lookout for ways to improve my skills. These tactics seem to offer a new perspective and approach that could potentially give me an edge in my gameplay. I can't wait to test them out in actual matches and see how they work. I believe that with practice and application, I'll be able to enhance my performance and have more exciting and challenging experiences in the world of Starcraft 2.

This book stands as an indispensable primer on revolutionary action in the arduous pursuit of national liberation. It is precisely within these pages that Che significantly transcends the image of the idealistic poet he was portrayed as in The Motorcycle Diaries.

Through his profound experiences in the Cuban Revolution, he emerges as a mature and unwavering tactician in the cause of Third World decolonization. This concise yet highly impactful document powerfully emphasizes the notion that theory without practical application is utterly futile. It provides a clear and unambiguous roadmap for those individuals who are wholeheartedly dedicated to bringing about revolutionary change.

When all peaceful endeavors at reconciliation have been thoroughly exhausted and the need for ultimate sacrifices arises, Guevara's "little red book" rightfully belongs in the pack of any true compañero who is setting off for the mountain zones. It serves as a guiding light and a source of inspiration for those brave souls willing to take on the challenge of fighting for a better, more just world.

Many college students have the classic image of Che Guevara either posted on their wall or on their t-shirt, seeing it as a symbol of revolution and non-conformism. However, few of them truly know much about him. This book is his 1960 account detailing how to conduct a populist guerrilla war against a powerful government. I obtained it during my Army basic training from the PX. My drill sergeants almost went crazy when they found it in my locker. It is more valuable for understanding this type of warfare rather than being a practical "how-to" guide. Although, if you ever wanted to know how to make a shotgun-propelled Molotov cocktail, there is a nice diagram included. This book has had a significant impact on shaping my thinking about terrorism as a guerrilla tactic. It made me realize that it's not something you can simply have a traditional war against. Guerrilla groups rely on the support of the local populations to survive. Therefore, it is crucial to treat those people with the utmost respect, which is something I endeavored to do while I was in Iraq.