Edited by Mike Gonzalez and Houman Barekat
This book examines the relationship between mass movements and military institutions. Some argue that it is impossible to achieve and protect a revolution without the support of the army, but how can the support of the army be won?
Using a broad range of examples from world history, Arms and the People explores the impact of profound social polarisation on the internal cohesion of the state's 'armed bodies of men' - and on the contested loyalties of soldiers.
In this pioneering study of revolutionary change, the contributors examine historicalo moment's in which a deep social crisis has penetrated military institutions and threatened to disable them.