Month: November 2024

A People Betrayed: The Role of the West in Rwanda’s Genocide by Linda Melvern_eBook and Audiobook, with Supplemental_Rwanda: A Nation Resilient in the Aftermath of Genocide, by Samuel Totten

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Book Summary

“A People Betrayed: The Role of the West in Rwanda’s Genocide” by Linda Melvern offers a critical analysis of the international community’s failure to prevent and respond to the Rwandan genocide that occurred in 1994. The book examines the political, social, and historical contexts that led to the genocide, focusing on the complicity and inaction of Western governments and organizations. Melvern argues that the West’s neglect and misguided policies significantly contributed to the scale of the tragedy, highlighting the moral responsibilities of the international community in the face of human rights atrocities.

Essential Themes and Historical Context:

  1. Introduction to the Rwandan Genocide
    • Overview of the genocide and its historical significance
    • Introduction to the themes of betrayal and complicity
  2. Historical Background
    • Exploration of Rwanda’s colonial history and ethnic tensions
    • The impact of Belgian colonialism on Hutu-Tutsi relations
    • Key events leading up to the genocide, including the civil war
  3. The Build-Up to Genocide
    • Analysis of the political climate in Rwanda in the early 1990s
    • The role of propaganda and hate speech in inciting violence
    • Examination of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and its goals
  4. International Response and Inaction
    • Evaluation of the United Nations’ involvement prior to and during the genocide
    • Critique of Western governments’ policies and actions (or lack thereof)
    • Discussion on the role of NGOs and humanitarian organizations
  5. The Genocide Unfolds
    • Detailed account of the events during the genocide from April to July 1994
    • Personal testimonies and narratives of survivors
    • Examination of the tactics used by perpetrators and the scale of violence
  6. Consequences of Inaction
    • Analysis of the aftermath of the genocide and its global implications
    • The long-term effects on Rwandan society and regional stability
    • Discussion of accountability and justice for the perpetrators
  7. Lessons Learned and Unlearned
    • Reflection on the lessons from the Rwandan genocide for international relations
    • Examination of how the genocide has influenced humanitarian intervention policies
    • Critique of the ongoing failures to address similar crises worldwide
  8. Conclusion
    • Summary of key arguments and insights from Melvern’s analysis
    • Call for recognition of moral responsibility in preventing future genocides

A People Betrayed: The Role of the West in Rwanda’s Genocide_eBook

In Rwanda in 1994 one million people were killed in a planned, public and political campaign. For six years Linda Melvern has worked on the story of this horrendous crime, and this book, a classic piece of investigative journalism, is the result. Its new and startling information has the making of an international scandal. The book contains a full narrative account of how the genocide unfolded and describes its scale, speed and intensity. And the book provides a terrible indictment, not just of the UN Security Council, but even more so of governments and individuals who could have prevented what was happening but chose not to do so. Drawing on a series of in-depth interviews, the author also tells the story of the unrecognized heroism of those who stayed on during the genocide – volunteer UN peacekeepers, their Force Commander the Canadian Lt.-General Romeo A. Dallaire, and Philippe Gaillard, the head of a delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, helped by medical teams from Medecins Sans Frontieres. The international community, which fifty years ago resolved that genocide never happened again, not only failed to prevent it happening in Rwanda, but, as this book shows, international funds intended to help the Rwandan economy actually helped to create the conditions that made the genocide possible. Documents held in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, as well as hitherto unpublished evidence of secret UN Security Council deliberations in New York, reveal a shocking sequence of events.
What happened in Rwanda shows that despite the creation of an organization set up to prevent a repetition of genocide – for the UN is central to this task – it failed to do so, even when the evidence was indisputable. At a time when increasing attention is being given to the need for UN reform, this book provides evidence to urgently accelerate and focus that process. Only by understanding how and why the genocide happened can there be any hope that this new century will break with the dismal record of the last.

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A People Betrayed: The Role of the West in Rwanda’s Genocide_Audiobook

Audio start in earnest (Rwanda Genocide April 1994 @ 4 mins. 55 sec.) and corresponds to page 14 of the above Reader.

Part 1

Part 2

Supplemental_Rwanda: A Nation Resilient in the Aftermath of Genocide, by Samuel Totten

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A Revolutionary for Our Time: The Walter Rodney Story by Leo Zeilig_eBook and Audiobook, with HAP 123-History Teaches Us- Walter Rodney

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Book Summary

A Revolutionary for Our Time: The Walter Rodney Story by Leo Zeilig is a biography that delves into the life and legacy of Walter Rodney, a prominent Guyanese historian, political activist, and revolutionary. The book highlights Rodney’s contributions to Caribbean intellectual thought, his critiques of colonialism and imperialism, and his dedication to social justice and the empowerment of the oppressed. Through Rodney’s story, Zeilig explores broader themes of race, class, and resistance in the Caribbean, as well as the impact of Rodney’s work on contemporary movements for social change.

Key Themes and Historical Context:

  1. Introduction to Walter Rodney
    • Overview of Rodney’s significance in Caribbean history
    • Brief introduction to his early life and background
  2. Early Life and Education
    • Rodney’s upbringing in British Guiana
    • Educational experiences and early influences
    • Development of his political consciousness
  3. Academic Career and Historical Contributions
    • Rodney’s work as a historian and scholar
    • Key publications and their impact (e.g., “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa”)
    • Methodological approaches and critiques of traditional historiography
  4. Political Activism and Leader of the People’s Movement
    • Involvement in political movements in Guyana
    • Formation of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA)
    • Advocacy for the rights of marginalized communities
  5. Colonialism and Imperialism
    • Rodney’s critique of colonial structures
    • Analysis of the effects of colonialism on Caribbean societies
    • Advocacy for decolonization and self-determination
  6. Exile and International Influence
    • Rodney’s experiences of exile and its impact on his work
    • Connections with other revolutionary movements in the Caribbean and globally
    • Participation in international forums and discussions
  7. Legacy and Impact
    • Rodney’s influence on subsequent generations of activists and scholars
    • The continuing relevance of his ideas in contemporary struggles
    • Commemoration of Rodney’s life and work in cultural memory
  8. Conclusion
    • Reflection on Walter Rodney’s contributions as a revolutionary thinker
    • The importance of his legacy in the fight for social justice and equality

A Revolutionary for Our Time: The Walter Rodney Story_eBook

Walter Rodney was a scholar, working class militant, and revolutionary from Guyana. Strongly influenced by Marxist ideas, he remains central to radical Pan-Africanist thought for large numbers of activists’ today. Rodney lived through the failed –though immensely hopeful -socialist experiments in the 1960s and 1970s, in Tanzania and elsewhere. The book critically considers Rodney’s contribution to Marxist theory and history, his relationship to dependency theory and the contemporary significance of his work in the context of movements and politics today. The first full-length study of Rodney’s life, this book is an essential introduction to Rodney’s work.

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A Revolutionary for Our Time: The Walter Rodney Story_Audiobook

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HAP 123-History Teaches Us- Walter Rodney

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War Against the Weak_Eugenics and America’s Campaign to Create a Master Race (Expanded Edition) eBook and Audiobook, by Edwin Black

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Book Summary

“War Against the Weak: Eugenics and America’s Campaign to Create a Master Race” by Edwin Black explores the history of the eugenics movement in the United States, its philosophical underpinnings, and its impact on society. The book details how eugenics influenced policies aimed at controlling human reproduction, promoting racial purity, and ultimately, how these ideas contributed to the horrors of the Holocaust. Black argues that the eugenics movement was not only a European phenomenon but had deep roots and significant implementation in America.

Topics the Book Covers:

  1. Introduction to Eugenics
    • Definition and origins of eugenics
    • Overview of key figures in the movement
  2. The Philosophical Foundations
    • Social Darwinism and its influence
    • The role of science and pseudoscience in promoting eugenics
  3. Eugenics in America
    • Early eugenics movements in the U.S.
    • Key organizations and individuals involved (e.g., American Eugenics Society)
    • Public support and government endorsement
  4. Legislation and Policies
    • Overview of significant laws (e.g., sterilization laws)
    • Case studies of states implementing eugenics policies
    • Impact on marginalized groups (disabled, minorities)
  5. Eugenics and Immigration
    • How eugenics influenced immigration policies
    • Racial and ethnic discrimination in immigration laws
  6. The Role of Institutions
    • Eugenics in education and public health
    • The involvement of universities and medical institutions
  7. International Influence
    • American eugenics’ impact on Nazi Germany
    • The transfer of ideas and practices across borders
  8. Public Backlash and Decline
    • Critiques and challenges to eugenics
    • The eventual decline of the movement post-World War II
  9. Legacy of Eugenics
    • Lasting effects on American society and policies
    • Modern implications and ethical discussions
  10. Conclusion: Reflections on the moral lessons of the eugenics movement and call for awareness and vigilance against similar ideologies today.

War Against the Weak_eBook

War Against the Weak is the gripping chronicle documenting how American corporate philanthropies launched a national campaign of ethnic cleansing in the United States, helped found and fund the Nazi eugenics of Hitler and Mengele — and then created the modern movement of “human genetics.” Some 60,000 Americans were sterilized under laws in 27 states. This expanded edition includes two new essays on state genocide.

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War Against the Weak_Audiobook

Part 1

Audio start in earnest (Introduction @ 15 mins. 38 sec.) and corresponds to page 20 of the above Reader.

Part 2

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Capitalism and Slavery by Eric Williams_eBook and Audiobook, with Capitalism and Slavery – Eric William – 75 Years Later- 2 Day Symposium

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Book Summary

“Capitalism and Slavery” by Eric Williams is a seminal work that investigates the relationship between the rise of capitalism in Europe and the system of slavery in the Americas. Williams argues that the profits derived from the slave trade and plantation economies were instrumental in fueling the growth of European capitalism, particularly in Britain. The book challenges conventional historical narratives that separate economic development from the exploitation of enslaved people, highlighting how slavery was not only a moral issue but also a critical economic factor in the development of modern capitalism. Williams’ analysis underscores the interconnectedness of race, economics, and history, making a significant contribution to the study of both slavery and economic history.

Essential Themes and Arguments:

  1. Introduction
    • Overview of the book’s objectives and significance
    • Introduction to the central thesis linking capitalism and slavery
    • Contextualization of the historical period under discussion
  2. The Economic Foundations of Slavery
    • Analysis of the economic motivations behind the transatlantic slave trade
    • The role of sugar and other cash crops in the Caribbean economy
    • Examination of the financial networks that supported the slave trade
  3. The Impact of Slavery on British Capitalism
    • Discussion of how profits from slavery contributed to British industrialization
    • Examination of the relationship between slave-derived wealth and British economic growth
    • Analysis of the investment in infrastructure and industry enabled by slave profits
  4. Political and Social Implications
    • Exploration of the political considerations surrounding slavery and abolition
    • Discussion of the social tensions and class struggles linked to the slave economy
    • Examination of the role of enslaved people in resisting their oppression
  5. Abolition and Its Consequences
    • Analysis of the abolition movement and its economic implications
    • Discussion of the motivations behind abolition, including economic shifts
    • Examination of the effects of abolition on both the colonies and Britain
  6. Racial Ideologies and Economic Interests
    • Exploration of how racial theories justified slavery and exploitation
    • Discussion of the intersection of race and economics in shaping societal views
    • Examination of the legacy of these ideologies in contemporary society
  7. Legacy of Slavery in Modern Capitalism
    • Reflection on the long-term economic effects of slavery on global capitalism
    • Discussion of the continued inequalities stemming from historical exploitation
    • Analysis of how understanding this legacy informs current socio-economic debates
  8. Conclusion
    • Summary of key themes and arguments presented throughout the book
    • Final reflections on the importance of recognizing the ties between capitalism and slavery
    • Call for a reevaluation of historical narratives regarding slavery and economic development

Capitalism and Slavery by Eric Williams_eBook

Slavery helped finance the Industrial Revolution in England. Plantation owners, shipbuilders, and merchants connected with the slave trade accumulated vast fortunes that established banks and heavy industry in Europe and expanded the reach of capitalism worldwide. Eric Williams advanced these powerful ideas in Capitalism and Slavery, published in 1944. Years ahead of its time, his profound critique became the foundation for studies of imperialism and economic development. Binding an economic view of history with strong moral argument, Williams’s study of the role of slavery in financing the Industrial Revolution refuted traditional ideas of economic and moral progress and firmly established the centrality of the African slave trade in European economic development. He also showed that mature industrial capitalism in turn helped destroy the slave system. Establishing the exploitation of commercial capitalism and its link to racial attitudes, Williams employed a historicist vision that set the tone for future studies. In a new introduction, Colin Palmer assesses the lasting impact of Williams’s groundbreaking work and analyzes the heated scholarly debates it generated when it first appeared.

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Capitalism and Slavery by Eric Williams_Audiobook

Capitalism and Slavery – Eric William – 75 Years Later- 2 Day Symposium

The CARICOM Reparations Commission in collaboration with the UWI Centre for Reparation Research and the Faculty of Humanities and Education at the UWI St. Augustine Campus is hosting an academic symposium to commemorate the 75th year of the publication of Eric Williams’ Capitalism and Slavery on the 13th November 2019. The themes to be discussed include: • Williams’ Caribbean Vision • The Profits from Enslavement (16th – 19th Century) • Impact of Capitalism and Slavery on the world today (21st Century) • Capitalism and Slavery and Reparations • Capitalism and Slavery – Global Connections • Decolonising Caribbean History At this symposium, we seek to gather scholars, intellectuals, corporate interest groups, artists, and activists to join us to examine the impact of Eric Williams and his work on the contemporary Caribbean and wider world. This symposium will also provide an opportunity to discuss his legacy with the next generation of leaders and intellectuals. Such commemorative activities are taking place all over the world. Symposiums will be held in Britain and the United States. We are adding the Caribbean’s voice through this symposium at the UWI.

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Mau Mau in Harlem?_The U.S. and the Liberation of Kenya, Gerald Horne|eBook and Audiobook| (Contemporary Black History), with Mau Mau Warrior Illustrated eBook, by Abiodun Alao (Author), Christa Hook (Illustrator).

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Book Summary:

“Mau Mau in Harlem?: The U.S. and the Liberation of Kenya” is a book by historian Gerald Horne which explores the connections between the African-American Civil Rights movement in the United States and the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya, specifically how the struggle for Kenyan independence resonated with African Americans, leading to a sense of solidarity and even the idea of a “Mau Mau” movement within Harlem and other Black communities in the U.S. 

Key points about the book:

  • Focus on the Mau Mau: The book delves into the Mau Mau Uprising, a violent guerrilla campaign by Kenyan Kikuyu people against British colonial rule in the 1950s, primarily focused on land rights and self-determination. 
  • Harlem connection: It analyzes how the struggles of the Mau Mau movement were closely followed and supported by African Americans in Harlem, New York, who saw parallels with their own fight for civil rights in the United States. 
  • Scholarly research: Horne draws on extensive archival research conducted in the US, UK, and Kenya to provide a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness between the two movements. 
  • Impact on Black consciousness: The book argues that the Mau Mau rebellion contributed to a growing sense of Black consciousness and solidarity among African Americans, further fueling the civil rights movement. 
  • The Mau Mau Uprising: This was a violent resistance movement against British colonial rule in Kenya, primarily led by the Kikuyu tribe, during the 1950s. 
  • African (American) Solidarity: The book argues that African Americans saw parallels between the Kenyan struggle against British colonialism and their own fight for civil rights in the U.S., leading to significant support for the Mau Mau movement within the Black community. 
  • Malcolm X’s “Mau Mau in Harlem” reference: A prominent example of this connection is Malcolm X’s statement about the potential need for a “Mau Mau” style uprising in Harlem, signifying a willingness to use more militant tactics to achieve racial equality. 
  • Historical Context: The book examines the broader historical context of the Cold War, where the U.S. was keen to demonstrate its anti-colonial stance, leading to some level of support for Kenyan independence. 

Mau Mau in Harlem, Gerald Horne?_eBook

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Mau Mau in Harlem, Gerald Horne?_Audiobook

Audio start in earnest (Introduction @ 4 mins. 45 sec.) and corresponds to page 12 of the above Reader.

Part 1

Part 2

Mau Mau Warrior Illustrated eBook, by Abiodun Alao (Author), Christa Hook (Illustrator).

Amazon Books: “Osprey’s study of the Mau Mau Rebellion (1952-1960) in Kenya and its fighters. The Mau Mau Freedom Fighters waged a guerrilla war for eight years against their British colonial rulers, which became known as the Mau Mau Uprising. The Mau Mau sought to win back their land and independence. This underground militia was an extremely powerful force employing tactics, which included the assassination of British settlers and the Africans who collaborated with the British, as well as raiding colonial prisons for weapons and staging daring ambushes in the Kenyan forests and mountains. The conflict saw these untrained warriors, deemed by many to be terrorists employ an innovative mix of traditional African warfare tactics, counterinsurgency methods and European firepower. The uprising ended in failure but set the stage for Kenyan independence in 1963. This title will explore their unique motivations, training and tactics, as well as their battle experience.”

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