Selected Military Writings of Mao Tse-Tung (Vintage 1966 Edition)

“Selected Military Writings of Mao Tse-Tung” is a collection of essays and speeches by Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China and a prominent communist revolutionary. The book focuses on Mao’s thoughts and strategies on military affairs, including guerrilla warfare, insurgency, and revolutionary warfare. The writings cover a wide range of topics, including the role of the military in revolutionary struggles, the principles of military organization, the relationship between politics and military affairs, and the use of military force to achieve political objectives.

Some of the most notable works included in the collection are “Problems of Strategy in Guerrilla Warfare,” “On Protracted War,” and “The Chinese Revolution and the Chinese Communist Party.” These essays discuss Mao’s philosophy of warfare, including his belief in the importance of political and ideological factors in military affairs. Mao emphasizes the importance of gaining popular support for a revolutionary cause and building a strong organizational structure to achieve long-term success.

Another key theme in Mao’s military writings is the idea of “people’s war,” which emphasizes the use of guerrilla tactics and the mobilization of the masses to wage a protracted struggle against a more powerful enemy. Mao’s writings on this topic were highly influential in shaping the strategies of revolutionary movements around the world, particularly in Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia.

Overall, “Selected Military Writings of Mao Tse-Tung” provides valuable insights into Mao’s strategic thinking and his approach to revolutionary warfare. While some of the specific tactics and techniques discussed in the book may be outdated, Mao’s emphasis on the importance of political factors in military affairs and his belief in the power of the masses to achieve revolutionary change remain relevant today.