Arms and the People

This collection examines the relationship between mass movements and the military. Some argue that it is impossible to achieve and protect a revolution without the support of the army, but how can the support of the army be won?Arms and the People explores the impact of social extremes on the solidarity within the state's military, and on the changing loyalties of these soldiers. The authors examine a series of historical moments in which a crisis in the military has reflected deep instability in the wider world, including Russia in 1917, Egypt during the Arab Spring, the Paris Commune, as well as long-standing instability in Venezuela and Indonesia, amongst many others.Including a range of international authors who have either studied or been directly involved in such social upheavals, Arms and the People is a pioneering contribution to the study of revolutionary change.

A pioneering look at the methods of undermining and co-opting state-run militaries, for revolutionary ends

IntroductionSoldiers and Revolution1. Soldiers, Sailors and Revolution: Russia 1917 by Mike Haynes2. An Army in Revolt: Germany 1918-19 by Volkard Moser3. Nation against Nation: Italy 1919-21 by Megan Trudell4. Soldiers on the Side of the People: Portugal 1974 by Peter RobinsonThe Popular Forces Mobilise5. Militia and Workers' State: Paris 1871 by Donny Gluckstein6. The People in Arms: Spain 1936 by Andy Durgan7. Never 'One Hand': Egypt 2011 by Philip MarfleetGuerrilla Wars and the Limits of Imperial Power8. People Change: American Solidiers and Marines in Vietnam by Jonathan Neale9. Crazy Little Armies: Guerrilla Strategy in Latin America, 1958 - 1990 by Mike GonzalezCounter-Revolution and the Military10. The Iron Fist: Chile 1973 by Mike Gonzalez11. Reaction and Slaughter: Indonesia 1965-66 by Nathaniel MehrThe Civic-Military Alliance12. Storming the Ramparts of Tyranny: Egypt & Iraq 1945-63 by Anne Alexander13. The Civic-Military Alliance: Venezuela 1958-1990 by Douglas Bravo & Mike GonzalezIndex