Che Guevara on Global Justice

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Is there an alternative to the neoliberal globalization that is ravaging our planet?

These classic works by Ernesto Che Guevara present a revolutionary view of a different world in which human solidarity and understanding replace imperialist aggression and exploitation.

Included in this book

Socialism and Man in Cuba
Message to the “Create two, three, many Vietnams”
Speech in Algiers at the Afro-Asian solidarity conference

Ernesto Che Guevara was born in Argentina and traveled through Latin America before joining the Cuban revolutionary movement that toppled the Batista dictatorship in 1959. Although best known as a guerrilla fighter, this book shows Che as a profound thinker with a radical world view that still strikes a chord with young rebels in every country today.

100 pages, Paperback

First published July 1,2002

About the author

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Ernesto "Che" Guevara, commonly known as El Che or simply Che, was a Marxist revolutionary, physician, author, intellectual, guerrilla leader, diplomat, and military theorist. A major figure of the Cuban Revolution, since his death Guevara's stylized visage has become an ubiquitous countercultural symbol and global icon within popular culture.

His belief in the necessity of world revolution to advance the interests of the poor prompted his involvement in Guatemala's social reforms under President Jacobo Arbenz, whose eventual CIA-assisted overthrow solidified Guevara's radical ideology. Later, while living in Mexico City, he met Raúl and Fidel Castro, joined their movement, and travelled to Cuba with the intention of overthrowing the U.S.-backed Batista regime. Guevara soon rose to prominence among the insurgents, was promoted to second-in-command, and played a pivotal role in the successful two year guerrilla campaign that topled the Cuban government.

After serving in a number of key roles in the new government, Guevara left Cuba in 1965 to foment revolution abroad, first unsuccessfully in Congo-Kinshasa and later in Bolivia, where he was captured by CIA-assisted Bolivian forces and executed.

Guevara remains both a revered and reviled historical figure, polarized in the collective imagination in a multitude of biographies, memoirs, essays, documentaries, songs, and films. Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century, while an Alberto Korda photograph of him entitled "Guerrillero Heroico," was declared "the most famous photograph in the world" by the Maryland Institute of Art.

Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 14 votes)
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14 reviews All reviews
July 14,2025
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The majority of this booklet was filled with communist propaganda and war mongering.

It seemed to be one-sided and lacked a balanced perspective. However, its only redeeming quality was that it managed to draw attention to the destructiveness of neo-colonialism.

Despite this, I still prefer to stick to reading Howard Zinn, Noam Chomsky, and Chris Hedges when it comes to political science.

These authors have provided me with in-depth and thought-provoking analyses of various political issues. Their works have helped me to form a more comprehensive understanding of the complex world of politics.

I believe that by reading their books, I can gain valuable insights and perspectives that will enable me to make more informed decisions.

Therefore, I will continue to rely on their works as my primary sources of political knowledge.
July 14,2025
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I read this book on my way back from Cuba.

I have to admit that it truly took me back to my sophomore years of education when I was a passionate socialist idealist.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it to be a light and refreshing read that helped me get back on track and sort out my thoughts.

The text states, "It is necessary to deepen conscious participation, both individual and collective, in all the structures of management and production, and to link this to the idea of the need for technical and ideological education. This way, the individual will understand that these processes are closely interdependent and their progress is parallel. In this manner, the individual will achieve total consciousness as a social being, which is equivalent to the full realization as a human creature once the chains of alienation are broken."

This passage emphasizes the importance of active participation and education in various aspects of society.

It highlights the connection between individual and collective efforts and the role of technical and ideological knowledge in achieving a more enlightened and liberated state.

Overall, this book offers valuable insights and food for thought.
July 14,2025
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I really couldn't get into this book at all.

From the very beginning, it just failed to capture my attention. The story seemed to lack that certain spark that would make me eager to turn the pages.

The characters didn't come alive for me either. They felt rather flat and uninteresting, as if they were just going through the motions without any real depth or personality.

Even the writing style didn't appeal to me. It was perhaps a bit too dry and straightforward, lacking the kind of vivid descriptions and engaging prose that would draw me in and make me feel like I was part of the story.

Overall, this book was a real disappointment for me. I tried my best to get into it, but unfortunately, it just didn't click. Maybe it's just not the right book for me at this time.
July 14,2025
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La Postface est ultra intéressante.

It offers a unique perspective and insights that are truly captivating.

The discours du Che, on the other hand, are unfortunately still relevant today.

Despite the passage of time, the ideas and messages he conveyed continue to resonate.

His words have the power to inspire and challenge us, making us reflect on the current state of affairs.

Perhaps this is because the issues he addressed are timeless and universal.

Whether it's about social justice, equality, or the pursuit of a better world, the Che's discours remain as thought-provoking as ever.

We can learn a great deal from his wisdom and courage, and apply it to our own lives and the challenges we face.

In conclusion, both the Postface and the discours du Che are valuable contributions to our understanding of the world and our place in it.
July 14,2025
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First of all, I must admit that this Spanish text was truly above my level. I made a rather bold leap from reading Harry Potter to delving into radical political theory. It turns out that I was a bit over-ambitious. It took me several weeks to painstakingly work my way through this tiny little pamphlet. Due to my general difficulty in comprehension, my rating and review probably aren't very accurate or fair.


I am extremely glad that I read this. Che was clearly one of the most significant figures of the 20th century. As a radical myself, I have a strong desire to understand how other people approach ideas that I spend a great deal of time thinking about.


One notable difference between Che and me is his stance on violence. This is especially evident in the last essay, "Crear dos, tres, muchos Viet Nam es la consigna." He makes it abundantly clear that violence is not only acceptable but absolutely essential for overthrowing violent, oppressive imperialists. He directs a great deal of antagonism specifically towards the US (which he calls the United States of North America, quite appropriately). While I'm not philosophically committed to 100% non-violence in the manner of, say, Gandhi, I'm definitely several steps behind him in this regard. One particular quote will summarize the essence of our disagreement:


"El odio como factor de lucha; el odio intransigente al enemigo, que impulsa más allá de las limitaciones naturales del ser humano y lo convierte en una efectiva, violenta, selectiva y fría máquina de matar. Nuestros soldados tienen que ser así; un pueblo sin odio no puede triunfar sobre un enemigo brutal."


In English: Hate is a factor in the fight; hate towards the enemy that pushes beyond the limitations of a human being and converts him into an effective, violent, selective and cold killing machine. Our soldiers have to be this way; a people without hate cannot triumph over a brutal enemy.


Whew! That's quite a powerful statement. Perhaps it's because I was born into the group of oppressors that he is fighting against, however unwillingly, that I'm so uncomfortable with it. But I firmly believe that it is of utmost importance, in bringing about social change, to remember that your opposition is composed of human beings.


Then again, what Che was fighting for was not "social change" but revolution, and rightfully so. America has poisoned societies around the world and continues to do so. It is truly sickening. But I really appreciate his words in "El socialismo y el hombre" about how no revolution is complete by simply changing the structures of society. The hearts of the people have to be changed. And I think that, rather than just eliminating the bad guys, it is far more crucial to change their hearts. I believe this often has to be done forcefully.... but the motivation should never be hate - it should be love for the people and society you are fighting for. When hate replaces love as our motivator, I think it is all too easy for the oppressed to take their newfound power and become the oppressors themselves (as in the case of the Israelites fleeing slavery in Egypt to commit genocide in Canaan).


Anyway..... this is a very, very thought-provoking read. I now rather want to read it in English. It is helping me to clearly articulate my own thoughts about various things.
July 14,2025
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The revolution is a powerful force that has the potential to bring about significant change and progress. It is a movement that challenges the status quo and demands a better future for all. The cry of "Long live the revolution" is a rallying call for those who are passionate about creating a more just and equitable society.


Revolutions have occurred throughout history, from the French Revolution to the Russian Revolution and beyond. These movements have been driven by a variety of factors, including social inequality, political corruption, and economic hardship. In each case, the people have risen up to demand change and to fight for their rights.


The spirit of the revolution lives on today, as people around the world continue to struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. Whether it is through peaceful protests or more radical means, the call for revolution remains as relevant as ever. Long live the revolution, and may it continue to inspire us to create a better world for ourselves and for future generations.

July 14,2025
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These essays have their roots in the 1960s, and yet, remarkably, they remain highly applicable in the present day. American Imperialism persists as a pernicious poison that has corrupted numerous nations. It is a scourge that demands immediate attention, and we are in greater need of a revolution now than ever before.

Che's mind is indeed a precious gift. I am constantly astounded by his remarkable ability to eloquently articulate socialist ideas in the fight against and the defeat of imperialism in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. His emphasis on Revolutionary humanism, ensuring that love and community are at the center, while also validating that the hate of the enemy and armed struggle are necessary means to achieve victory, makes my own thoughts and ideas resonate deeply.

He is truly one of the finest creations of God, and I eagerly look forward to delving into more of his writings.

(It is also truly astonishing that he predicted the US directly attacking Cambodia in 1967. This was a full three years before the US covertly carpet bombed Cambodia in 1970!)
July 14,2025
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Despite his flaws, Che Guevara still speaks to our times. His unwavering commitment to social justice and his passionate fight against imperialism continue to resonate with people around the world. In an era where inequality and exploitation persist, his ideals of love for our comrades and hatred of imperialism are needed now more than ever.



Che's life and work serve as a reminder that we have the power to make a difference. His willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of a better world is an inspiration to us all. We can learn from his example and strive to build a more just and equitable society.



Although Che may not have achieved all of his goals, his legacy lives on. His ideas and actions have sparked countless movements and inspired generations of people to take up the cause of social change. In this way, he continues to speak to our times and remind us of the importance of standing up for what we believe in.

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