Ripe for Revolution: Building Socialism in the Third World

The book "Ripe for Revolution" explores the history of ideology in the Global South as the postwar laboratory of socialism, its legacy following the Cold War, and the continuing influence of socialist ideas worldwide. It examines the experience of five countries: Indonesia, Chile, Tanzania, Angola, and Iran, which sought paths to socialism without formal adherence to the Soviet bloc. The book demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of socialism and its impact on evolving conceptions of development in other countries. It emphasizes the importance of attending to history to understand how socialism succeeds and fails and grasp its evolution and potential horizons.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2022
Publisher: Harvard University Press

The postwar era in the Global South saw a significant experimentation with socialist ideologies, serving as a laboratory for social and economic transformation. This period witnessed the legacy of socialist ideas following the Cold War, as well as their continued influence worldwide.

In the first decades after World War II, numerous newly independent Asian and African countries, as well as established Latin American states, embarked on a socialist development model. Jeremy Friedman delves into the socialist experiment over a span of forty years, examining the experiences of five countries: Indonesia, Chile, Tanzania, Angola, and Iran. These countries sought to pursue socialism without formal adherence to the Soviet bloc or the programs propagated by external forces such as the Soviets, East Germans, Cubans, Chinese, and others. Instead, they embarked on a journey of trial and error, seeking to forge their own unique models of socialist development.

These countries demonstrated the flexibility and adaptability of socialism by drawing upon the experiences and expertise of existing socialist countries. They sought to learn from the successes and failures of others, adapting socialist principles to their specific contexts and circumstances. This approach allowed for a diversity of socialist models to emerge, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges.

The five countries featured in Friedman's book would become significant battlegrounds during the Cold War, serving as regional models for other socialist and non-socialist states. The policies adopted in one country would shape evolving conceptions of development in another, creating a complex web of interdependence and influence.

The collapse of democracy in Indonesia, for instance, had profound implications for Chile. The lessons learned from Indonesia's transition to authoritarianism informed the policies of the left in Chile, leading to a period of significant social and economic change. Similarly, the challenge of political Islam in Indonesia influenced the policies of the left in Iran, shaping the country's approach to socialism and its relationship with the West.

Efforts to build agrarian economies in West Africa also had a significant impact on Tanzanias approach to socialism. Tanzania's socialist model was influenced by the experiences of other African countries, particularly those that had successfully implemented agrarian reforms. This influence shaped Tanzanias approach to development, emphasizing the importance of rural development and social justice.

The Angolan model, in turn, was influenced by the experiences of Tanzania and other African countries. Angola's socialist government sought to combine traditional African values with socialist principles, creating a unique blend of social and economic policies. This model faced significant challenges, including the ongoing conflict with neighboring countries and the economic impact of international sanctions.

Ripe for Revolution: The Socialist Experiment in the Global South offers a valuable perspective on socialism as more adaptable and pragmatic than often assumed. When viewed through the lens of Stalinist orthodoxy, we may miss the real effects and legacies of socialism, both positive and negative. To fully understand the successes and failures of socialism, as well as its evolution and potential horizons, we must delve into history.

Friedman's book encourages readers to approach socialism with a broader understanding, recognizing its diversity and complexity. It challenges the notion that socialism is a monolithic ideology, highlighting the different paths taken by different countries and the unique challenges they faced. By studying history, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of socialism and its impact on societies.

In conclusion, the postwar era in the Global South served as a laboratory for socialist ideologies, with many countries experimenting with different models of social and economic transformation. Jeremy Friedman's book, Ripe for Revolution: The Socialist Experiment in the Global South, provides a valuable account of the socialist experiment over forty years, examining the experiences of five countries: Indonesia, Chile, Tanzania, Angola, and Iran. These countries demonstrated the flexibility and adaptability of socialism by drawing upon the experiences and expertise of existing socialist countries, adapting socialist principles to their specific contexts and circumstances. The book highlights the importance of studying history to understand the successes and failures of socialism, as well as its evolution and potential horizons. By approaching socialism with a broader understanding, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its diversity and complexity and contribute to the ongoing debate about the future of social and economic systems.

Weight: 714g
Dimension: 166 x 242 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674244313