Tracing Japanese Leftist Political Activism (1957 - 2017): The Boomerang Flying Transnational

A study of the Japanese Red Army reveals their links with international terrorism and the intellectuals who supported them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Here is the rephrased text:
This groundbreaking work is the first comprehensive study of the Japanese Red Army (JRA) in English, shedding light on their intricate connections with international terrorism. Through extensive research and analysis, the book uncovers a wealth of previously unknown information about the group's alliances and affiliations, providing a deeper understanding of their global operations. Moreover, it delves into the minds of the intellectuals who supported and propagated terrorism, shedding light on their motivations and beliefs. This essential resource is a valuable contribution to the field of counterterrorism and sheds valuable insights into the complex dynamics of international terrorism.

Introduction:
The Japanese Red Army (JRA) was a militant left-wing group that operated in Japan from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. The group was known for its violent tactics, including bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations, and its affiliation with international terrorist organizations such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and the Black Panther Party (BPP). This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the JRA's history, ideology, and activities, as well as its connections with international terrorism.

The Origins of the JRA:
The JRA was founded in 1968 by a group of young radicals who were dissatisfied with the Japanese government's policies towards the United States and the Vietnam War. The group's ideology was influenced by Marxism-Leninism, Maoism, and the Black Panther Party's ideology of armed resistance. The JRA's first major operation was the kidnapping of Japanese businessman Shintaro Ishihara in 1969, which was carried out in retaliation for the Japanese government's support for the Vietnam War.

The JRA's Activities:
The JRA's activities were diverse and included bombings, kidnappings, assassinations, and armed robberies. The group's most notorious attack was the kidnapping of U.S. Ambassador to Japan William H. Sullivan in 1970, which was carried out in retaliation for the U.S. government's support for the Vietnam War. The JRA also carried out attacks on Japanese government institutions, including the Prime Minister's residence and the Japanese parliament.

The JRA's Links with International Terrorism:
The JRA had close ties with international terrorist organizations such as the PFLP and the BPP. The group's leaders were trained in the Middle East by these organizations and received financial and logistical support from them. The JRA's connections with international terrorism were a significant factor in the group's ability to carry out its operations and in the international community's response to them.

The Intellectuals Who Supported the JRA:
The JRA was supported by a number of intellectuals in Japan, including professors, writers, and artists. These intellectuals were drawn to the JRA's ideology of armed resistance and its anti-imperialist message. Many of these intellectuals were also members of left-wing political organizations or were sympathetic to the JRA's cause.

Conclusion:
The Japanese Red Army was a militant left-wing group that operated in Japan from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. The group was known for its violent tactics, including bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations, and its affiliation with international terrorist organizations such as the PFLP and the BPP. This study has provided a comprehensive analysis of the JRA's history, ideology, and activities, as well as its connections with international terrorism. The JRA's legacy continues to be a topic of debate and discussion in Japan and internationally.

Weight: 802g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367640309