Books Like...
'Killing Hope: U.S. Military and C.I.A. Interventions Since World War II' by William Blum is a detailed and heart-wrenching history of the USA's involvement in torture and murder in dozens of different countries in the last 60 years. The book meticulously documents American interventions throughout the world, including well-known events like Korea and Vietnam, as well as lesser-known interventions. Blum's writing style presents a harrowing picture of deceit, denial, and amoral manipulation to secure the industrial military political equilibrium, working chronologically through the last 60 years of political history.
Blum's 'Killing Hope' is described as a devastating attack on America's actual foreign policies, as opposed to the propaganda fed to the public. The book provides a damning view of US CIA policy since WWII, offering highly opinionated hot takes on US actions abroad, covering events from the '53 overthrow of Mossadegh to Dubya's invasion of Panama. The author's meticulous documentation, lack of indulgence in repetition, and use of mainstream sources like the NYT for citations make this book a detailed and shocking reference for understanding US foreign interventions post-WWII.
If you liked Killing Hope: U.S. Military and C.I.A. Interventions Since World War II, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Vincent Bevins' book, 'The Jakarta Method', delves into the dark history of Washington's anticommunist crusade and the mass murder program that had a profound impact on the world. Through extensive research and compelling storytelling, Bevins uncovers the brutal realities of imperialism, CIA interventions, and the violent suppression of socialist movements in various third world countries. The book sheds light on the ruthless tactics employed by the U.S. government to further its interests, the devastating consequences of these actions on local populations, and the lasting effects that still resonate today.
THE UNITED STATES, A WESTERN European settler colony in North America, emerged from World War II as by far the most powerful state on Earth. This was a surprise to most Americans, and to most of the w... - #2
Save:'Washington Bullets' by Vijay Prashad is a scintillating read that delves into the dark side of US foreign policy and imperialism. It educates readers on the consequences of American actions on other countries, shedding light on the machinery of geopolitics employed by the US to promote its interests, often at the expense of others. Prashad's writing style is praised for being eloquent, concise, and informative, providing a comprehensive overview of the US's history of political assassinations, government overthrows, and military interventions since World War II.
Divine right is an old, established principle. It means that Kings have the right – ordained by God – to act in any way that they wish. Human-made laws are of no consequence beside the awesome power o... "Kill Anything That Moves" by Nick Turse delves into the dark and disturbing account of American actions in Vietnam, going beyond the well-known My Lai Massacre to expose a pattern of atrocities committed against Vietnamese civilians. Turse meticulously researches Pentagon archives and conducts interviews with veterans and survivors to reveal how these crimes were not isolated incidents, but rather a consequence of official policies that led to millions of innocent civilians being killed and wounded. The author's writing style is direct and eye-opening, shedding light on the culture within the US military forces during the Vietnam War that allowed for such atrocities to occur.
In 2008, visiting Trieu Ai village in Quang Tri, the northernmost province in South Vietnam, meant driving down a long, winding, rutted road of crushed rock and burnt-orange mud. It was slow going, as...'The Divide: A Brief Guide to Global Inequality and its Solutions' by Jason Hickel delves into the topic of global inequality, shedding light on the stark disparities between the developed and developing world. Through a combination of economic analysis and historical context, the author challenges the conventional approach to development and offers viable solutions to address the pressing issues faced by society. The writing style is described as thought-provoking, eye-opening, and compelling, with the author skillfully weaving together narratives of past injustices and present realities to paint a comprehensive picture of the world's socio-economic landscape.
It began as a public-relations gimmick. Harry Truman had just been elected to a second term as president of the United States and was set to take the stage for his inaugural address on 20 January 1949...Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA by Tim Weiner is a detailed and compelling history of the Central Intelligence Agency, spanning from its inception as the reincarnation of the OSS to the modern era. The book delves into the failures, successes, and controversies surrounding the CIA, shedding light on its covert operations, political interference, and internal struggles. Through meticulous research and objective storytelling, the author presents a comprehensive overview of the agency's evolution, from its role in global power politics to its impact on world events.
“In a global and totalitarian war,” General Donovan believed, “intelligence must be global and totalitarian.” On November 18, 1944, he had written to President Roosevelt proposing that the United Stat...- #6
Save:'The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles and the Rise of America's Secret Government' by David Talbot is a compelling exploration of the deep-seated power structures within the American government. Talbot delves into the intricate web of connections between establishment figures, the military industrial complex, and the intelligence community, showcasing how individuals like Allen Dulles wielded immense influence over significant historical events. Through a journalistic narrative style, the book uncovers the dark realities of CIA involvement in covert operations, assassinations, and the manipulation of governments, shedding light on the sinister machinations of those in power.
Allen Dulles went to war on November 9, 1942, crossing into neutral Switzerland from Vichy France, just minutes before the Nazis closed the border. He later told the story of his border crossing with ... - #7
Save:"Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" by John Perkins is a memoir that delves into the author's experiences as an economic consultant working for the U.S. government. Perkins describes how he, along with others like him, manipulated developing countries into taking on large loans that they could not repay, leading to economic subjugation and exploitation by international corporations. The book sheds light on the inner workings of high-stakes economic games that benefit major corporations at the expense of third-world economies, ultimately revealing the dark side of U.S. foreign policy and industrial influence.
I was an only child, born into the middle class in 1945. Both my parents came from three centuries of New England Yankee stock; their strict, moralistic, staunchly Republican attitudes reflected gener... - #8
Save:'The Counter-Revolution of 1776: Slave Resistance and the Origins of the United States of America' by Gerald Horne delves into the critical and paramount role of race, class, and the oppressive system in the birth of America, shedding light on the hidden truths behind the American Revolution. Through meticulous research and cogent observations, the author unveils how greed, chaos, and the counter-revolutionary spirit have driven historical events, exposing the hypocrisy of the Founding Fathers and the dark legacy of slavery that shaped the nation. Horne's narrative not only challenges the traditional founding myths but also highlights the intelligence, resourcefulness, and rebellious nature of enslaved individuals who played a significant role in shaping American history.
I had been working on the book at hand for some time and had traveled extensively. However, building renovations had prevented my access to the New York Historical Society in Manhattan until my tardy ... 'How Europe Underdeveloped Africa' by Walter Rodney is a detailed analysis of the historical factors contributing to Africa's underdevelopment compared to the 'First World'. Rodney's writing style is described as accessible and informative, providing a chronological sequence of Africa's development and European interference. He delves into the impact of slavery and colonialism on African societies, highlighting the strategies employed by Europeans to exploit and suppress the continent. Rodney's work is considered a seminal piece on the legacy of European destruction in Africa, offering a broad background on the history of European involvement on the continent.
In contrast with the surging growth of the countries in the socialist camp and the development taking place, albeit much more slowly, in the majority of the capitalist countries, is the unquestionable...- #10
Save:'The Wretched of the Earth' by Frantz Fanon is a powerful analysis of the psychological and social impact of colonization on oppressed peoples. Fanon delves into the challenges faced by postcolonial nations, emphasizing the need for liberation from oppressive forces. Through compelling case studies and revolutionary insights, Fanon explores the complexities of decolonization, highlighting the struggles and pitfalls that accompany the path to freedom. His writing style weaves together historical analysis with psychological profiles, offering a unique perspective on the dynamics of colonialism and the fight for independence.
National liberation, national reawakening, restoration of the nation to the people or Commonwealth, whatever the name used, whatever the latest expression, decolonization is always a violent event. At...
