Founders of the militant podcast Guerrilla History, Henry Hakamaki and Adnan Husain, introduce their new series on African revolutions and decolonization. Focusing on African struggles and revolutions, they invite listeners to encounter radical perspectives from the continent and beyond, challenge their assumptions about history, and learn about the struggles of those who dared to resist oppression in Africa. Hakamaki and Husain argue for a nuanced understanding of the revolutionary movements that define Africa’s past and continue to shape its future.
By Henry Hakamaki and Adnan Husain
In a world decisively shaped by the legacies of colonialism, imperialism and the extension of capitalism, the importance of studying African revolutions and the process of decolonization cannot be overstated. Our upcoming 30+ part series “African Revolutions and Decolonization” on the Guerrilla History podcast endeavors to illuminate the complexities surrounding these topics, combining case studies of revolutionary struggles as well as thematic and theoretical explorations of political and economic processes across the continent and its place in the global system. By engaging deeply with historical examples and vital intellectual currents, we aim to forge a rich understanding of the revolutionary dynamics that have shaped Africa and the world.
The significance of this undertaking is multi-layered. First and foremost, examining African revolutions is critical for understanding the broader narratives of global resistance against colonial and imperial forces. The revolutionary movements that emerged throughout the continent, from Algeria’s struggle for independence in the 1950s to the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, offer invaluable insights into the mechanisms of resistance, solidarity, and the fight for self-determination. These experiences are not confined to the annals of history; they resonate culturally and politically in contemporary society, informing current struggles against neocolonialism and globalization. Recognizing how these historical narratives inform today’s socio-political landscapes can empower current movements seeking justice and equity.
In addition to highlighting the specific case studies of revolutions, our series will focus on the thinkers whose ideas have been instrumental in articulating revolutionary theory and praxis. The work of figures like Frantz Fanon, Samir Amin, and Walter Rodney challenge dominant narratives and provide frameworks for understanding the complexities of colonialism, identity, and resistance. By delving into their critical writings and analyses, we uncover the philosophical underpinnings that have guided revolutionary thought in Africa, as well as challenge Eurocentric and hegemonic narratives of the imperial core. These intellectual legacies are fundamental, as they not only critique the mechanisms of oppression but also envision emancipatory futures based on freedom, justice, and equality. Our engagement with these thinkers is not merely academic; it is a vital exploration of the ideas that continue to inspire movements around the continent and world.
One of the critical components of our series will be bringing guests from the African continent to contribute their voices, expertise, and lived experiences. Engaging directly with scholars, historians, and activists from Africa is an essential aspect of our project. This commitment arises from our appreciation that a usable past must incorporate narratives from those who have lived it and have a contemporary stake in changing their circumstances.
Sadly, historical narratives are frequently shaped by external perspectives that can distort the realities of the people involved in revolutionary struggles. By ensuring that we are amplifying radical African voices throughout this series, we aim to represent the continent’s revolutionary and decolonial history responsibly while enriching our discussions with diverse perspectives that challenge Eurocentric interpretations.
Moreover, hosting guests from across the continent serves to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The guests will provide firsthand accounts of revolutionary movements and the ongoing struggles against legacies of colonialism. Their contributions will help ground our discussions in experiences, which allow listeners to better grasp how these movements were not only struggles of the past, but are also relevant to the historical processes that play out in everyday life and continue to influence contemporary political landscapes.
We believe that by incorporating these voices, we can enhance our understanding of both historical contexts and the ongoing significance of revolutionary thought in navigating today’s socioeconomic challenges.
Furthermore, our focus on African revolutions and decolonization aligns with our broader mission as a podcast dedicated to anti-imperialist Marxist analyses. In a current geopolitical climate characterized by increasing militarization, economic inequality, and ideological conflict, it is imperative to revisit the lessons of past revolutions. The struggles against colonial rule and oppression offer critical insights that can inform current approaches to solidarity and resistance.
Our series will not only highlight the historical struggles of the past but will also facilitate critical discussions on how these lessons can guide contemporary activism within and beyond Africa, as well as linking struggles throughout the Global South, and between revolutionary movements in the North and South.
By exploring these themes, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the revolutionary spirit that has pervaded African history. In doing so, we hope to contribute meaningfully to the academic discourse on African politics and history, while also engaging a broader activist audience in the complexities of revolutionary theory and practice.
Our series is an invitation to listeners to rethink the narratives they have encountered, challenge their assumptions about history, and honor the struggles of those who dared to resist oppression.
Through Guerrilla History, we aspire to promote a nuanced understanding of the revolutionary movements that define Africa’s past and continue to shape its future. By engaging deeply in the complex realities of African revolutions and decolonization, we endeavor to help listeners grasp the interconnections between historical movements and contemporary social justice issues, fostering a global community committed to supporting and learning from revolutionary thought and action.
As we present this journey into the heart of African revolutionary history, we invite scholars, activists, and curious minds alike to engage with these critical discussions and contribute their insights to this vital field of study.
Guerrilla History is the podcast that acts as a reconnaissance report of global history for the activist left, and aims to use the lessons of history to analyze the present. Have a look at the entire library of Guerilla History podcasts here (and subscribe to the newsletter here). Guerrilla History podcasts can also be accessed here and here
Henry Hakamaki is an educator, activist, co-host and producer of Guerrilla History, and an Editorial Board member of Iskra Books, an independent non-profit, communist publishing company. He co-translated and edited Domenico Losurdo’s Stalin: History and Critique of a Black Legend, and has two further books he has worked on coming out via Iskra in the next few months – a translation of Guillaume Suing’s Communism – The Highest Stage of Ecology, and a newly edited edition of The Communist Working Group’s Unequal Exchange and the Prospects of Socialism. Those works will be available at iskrabooks.org, with the note that all Iskra titles are available for free pdf download or low cost print editions on the site. Henry can be followed on twitter @huck1995.
Adnan A. Husain is a professor of Medieval Mediterranean and Islamic World History at Queen’s University (Kingston, Ontario) and Director of the School of Religion. For his other podcast, media, socials and publications visit his website here.
