Tom Buchanan (1) (1960–)

Decades on, this remains the definitive volume on Britain and the Spanish Civil War. It is widely cited as such, and its argumentation is frequently adapted by subsequent scholars of the topic. The Civil War is introduced as an event which had a striking impact on the British consciousness at all levels and which was a major consideration in foreign policy in its time. Britain's non-intervention policy sees detailed analysis and consideration, with the contentious historiography of this particular area receiving due treatment. The book then discusses British aid (formal and informal), the issue of volunteers, and the perspectives of intellectuals and the religious. Everything is amply contextualised amidst changes in government, the policy of appeasement, and the geopolitical situation in Europe. I could not recommend this more if you are interested in learning about Britain's role in the Spanish Civil War!… (meer)

Buchanan tells the story of how the British left dealt with China both before and after the establishment of the PRC. His main argument is that the British left was extremely sympathetic to the the Chinese, even to the point of naivete. They were sympathetic to the plight of the Chinese people, who had suffered from imperialism abroad and tyranny at home from Chiang Kai-Shek. The British left, which included the British Communists, leftist philosophers (such as Bertrand Russell) and the left wing of the Labour Party, accepted the Chinese Communist Party because it strengthened China where other groups had failed. They also believed that trade with China would help the struggling British economy. The British left overlooked the abuses of the CCP or made excuses for them.

The Korean War was the high point of sympathy to China. In addition to blaming South Korea as the aggressor, one British leftist actually went to China during the war to offer his support for Chinese charges that the United States was using germ warfare. Buchanan argues that Joseph Needam was the very height of naivete by accepting scientific evidence that was politically manipulated and most likely manufactured by the Chinese government.

The Sino-Indian War of 1962 was the turning point for how the British Left saw the CCP. The marxist groups had connections to Moscow, which backed the Indians in the war. They also, along with leftist intellectuals, had developed strong ties with India. As a result, most British leftists sided with the Indians and became more critical of the CCP.

This is an excellent book, being both well-researched and well-written. If it has a weakness, it is a lack of a Chinese side to the story. It could have been difficult for Buchanan to find sources, particularly in Britain, but it would have added some nice depth. That said, this is well worth reading on how dissident voices looked at China over this 50 year period.

The Korean War was th… (meer)