Revolutionary Social Change in Colombia: The Origin and Direction of the FARC-EP

by James J. Brittain

This book presents an insider's account of Columbia's internal conflict. At the forefront are the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP).

Although they are one of the most powerful military forces in Latin American history, little is known about the FARC-EP. James J. Brittain explains where and why this political military movement came into existence and assesses whether the methods employed by the insurgency have the potential to free those marginalised in Colombia.

As democratic socialism develops in Venezuela and Bolivia, Brittain's fascinating study assesses the relevance of armed struggle to 21st century Latin American politics. This is an essential title for those wishing to develop a full understanding of the continent.

By evaluating the FARC-EP's actions, ideological construction, and their theoretical placement, the book gauges how this guerrilla movement relates to revolutionary theory and practice and through what tangible mechanisms, if any, they are creating a new Colombia.

Genres: History, Politics, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Alejandro Contreras · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a while back so my review might not be the best but i just wanted to say that this is honestly one of my favorite books because it’s the only book I’ve been able to find about the FARC that isn’t just redscare demonization bs. The author actually went to Colombia and interviewed guerilla fighters to see their side of things which is something that is rarely, if ever, put out, especially in corporate owned media that is so easily accessible to the public. The author does an amazing job telling the history of the FARC, and their role in Colombia. I will say that it is very dense so if this topic isn’t something you’re very interested in you probably wouldn’t enjoy it much but I will say that it is a very important read, especially for Colombians, like myself, who have only been fed one side of the story and that’s of the Colombian ruling class and state who are guilty of countless murders of social activists, poor civilians, and anyone who threatens their power.

[Liz Rathburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much from this book, sometimes it can drag or feel like it's doing too much, but if you make it through it's absolutely worth the read!

[Phlanigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brittain's work on the FARC-EP is illuminating from page 1. I had to admit early on that any conceptions I had of the group were manufactured by disingenuous sources, which made this read a good deal more exciting than I'd expected. It's a hopeful work about the possibilities underlying dual power and the organizational capability of the rural sphere. I only hope we see an update to the book as the past 10 years of FARC-EP history have seen peace talks, a demilitarization, and splintering.

My only critique is that Brittain argues so effectively that their brand of Marxism-Leninism is so unique that the FARC should perhap be given a different label entirely. Their lack of a professional revolutionary class and diversity of opinion seems to denote a different strand of revolutionary theory. I should note that this work was an incredibly effective overview of the FARC's structure and beliefs, so create your own interpetation. As a last note, I'd like to have heard about other groups like the ELN, but they're clearly outside the scope of this already substantial work so this complaint is very minor.

Tldr; it's good history and theory in one place with real world examples, what's not to love?

[Jayden gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

farc's good lads

[Michael Vela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and in-depth analysis of the FARC-EP and it’s structure, ideology, goals, and opponents. Citation heavy (especially in text) but overall a great read of a Marxist analysis of the causes and effects on one of the longest insurgencies in Latin America

[Ash Ponders · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's fine. Not exactly a page turner, but if you need to know about the Farc, this will get you a long way towards understanding.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For Colombia solidarity activists, Revolutionary Social Change in Colombia is a tool. In the battle of ideas against all of the U.S. ruling class justifications for continuing to give billions of dollars to the Uribe regime through Plan Colombia, or in opposition to the U.S. escalation in Colombia through its seven newly acquired military bases, this book is a weapon. For anyone doing anti-intervention organizing, whether around Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine, the Philippines or any place where the U.S. is oppressing the people of the world and where the people are resisting by any means necessary, this book provides a valuable case-study.

Brittain concludes his Revolutionary Social Change in Colombia with a quote from a campesino who he asked if the FARC would succeed in its revolutionary endeavors. The campesino answers, saying, 'The FARC are and have been winning for a long time…I would never say that the FARC will lose, but I will certainly tell you that the state and the elite that repress the people of this country will never win.'"

-Josh Sykes, "Book Review: Revolutionary Social Change in Colombia: The Origin and Direction of the FARC-EP," Fight Back! News

http://www.fightbacknews.org/2010/2/6...

[Eren Buğlalılar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mücadele eden bir örgütün sesini duyurması açısından anlamlı ama beklediğimden zayıf bir kitaptı. FARC'ın tarihine, stratejisine ilişkin bir seyler bulmayı beklerken, bölük pörçük bir anlatımla karşılaştım. FARC'ın yeni tipte bir Marksist-Leninist örgüt olduğunu söylüyor ama bunu yavan alıntıların ötesine taşıyamıyor örneğin. Madem bu kadar yamanlardı, niye Kolombiya faşizmiyle barışmak gibi şaçma bir işe giriştiler?

Herhalde yazarın kafası dağınık. Kolombiyalı devrimci örgüt FARC'ı merak edenler için daha faydalı çalışmalar olduğuna eminim.

[Adri L]

Simply want to read this because it is by one of my favorite professors at Acadia University. & not to mention this topic would be very interesting.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and extremely well researched and written account of resistance in Colombia. Highly recommended.