Imperialism and Revolution in Zanzibar

Imperialism and Revolution in Zanzibar focuses on the tumultuous years at the height of the cold war when, in striking similarity to today, the imperialist powers sought desperately to institute regime change and bring in governments that they could manipulate and use in their own interests.

Again as today, they used covert methods and ideologies of fear - whipping up paranoia and unleashing witch hunts - but at that time against communists rather than 'Islamic terrorists' Using secret US and British documents, historic photographs and interviews, Amrit Wilson reflects on the contemporary relevance of the revolutionary Umma party which, while confronting imperialism, evolved strategies for unity in the face of an ethnically divided Zanzibar.

She examines the nature and role of the party: the history it grew from, the ideologies and personalities that shaped it, its strategies and the experiences of its cadres during its comparatively short life, and later when they continued the struggle both as individuals and as an informal but close-knit group. Comparing US paranoia about Chinese communists in the 60s with American fears about Chinese 'domination of Africa' today, the book explores the contemporary race for Africa's resources, the insidious creation of AFRICOM, the role of some East African politicians in bolstering American control and the ubiquitous 'war on terror'.

It reveals also the perceived importance of Zanzibar in maintaining control over eastern Africa. This powerful expose reveals the roots of contemporary US policy in East Africa.