With the Maoists in India

While China uses Chairman Mao as a figurehead it has embraced a kind of capitalism. But Maoists in India? Yes. Not only there but also in neighboring Nepal where they overthrew the age-old monarchy. But the Maoists main stage is in India. A cascade of grievances has produced various revolts across the country. One of the largest is in central India straddling several states but centered in Chhattisgarh. It is Maoist. That term is used as well as Naxalite. What do they want? They declare their aim is “to build a truly democratic society built on justice, equality, free from the chains of imperialism and semi-feudal bondage.” And to achieve that through “guerilla war.” Will capitalism in India or anywhere else for that matter, tolerate societies living outside its control?

Recorded at CUNY.