Colonial Revolution and Liberatory War: from Communist to Post-Colonial Theory (Georgy Safarov, Mao Zedong and Frantz Fanon)

The article investigates the intellectual roots of concept colonial revolution, which goes back to 2nd congress Communist International, examines its importance in shaping political thought and outlines subsequent transformation wake post-colonial theory. author starts with analyzing ideas Georgi Safarov—Comintern [the International] theorist. He was among most original thinkers who elaborated revolution. Safarov, drawing from his own experience Central Asia, insisted that global capitalism is “retreating positions feudalism” while operating colonies, treating them as collective “serfs” lacking any proper social basis save for enormous military force. Such analogy led Safarov envisage revolution a “plebeian” revolt liberatory war against inhumane stagnant order, opening way non-capitalist development certain assistance Soviet Union. Similar were independently formulated by Mao Zedong 1930s. saw China “protracted war” liberation listed conditions under victory possible. However, former colony seen transitory period “democratic dictatorship”. peasant movement developed Franz Fanon context Algeria. Developing idea “plebeian”, justifying violence sole means ending rule power, at same time differed tradition Comintern Congress (represented others) describing independent existence colonies. For Fanon, worst consequence not permanent backwardness but psychological trauma, an inevitable result brutal conquest requires therapy. concludes such conceptual stimulated merely disappointment Chinese economic strategies, also geographical cultural factor made reintegration powers preferable direct “escape” into socialist camp.