Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Jason Burke's 'The Revolutionists': A Chronicle of 1970s Terrorism
Imagine a time in the 1970s when some people tried to change the world using very dangerous methods like hijacking planes and setting off bombs.
This book talks about those times and the groups involved, like people from Palestine and Germany.
It explains how some of these groups were made up of well-educated people who believed in certain ideas.
But later in the 70s, the book shows how different kinds of extremists, especially those with religious beliefs, started using even scarier tactics.
The book is full of exciting stories about these individuals and their actions.
Some people think the book is amazing and covers a lot, while others wished it explained certain terms better or talked more about specific groups.
Jason Burke's book, 'The Revolutionists,' chronicles the era of transnational terrorism in the 1970s.
The book details key movements like the PLO, Baader-Meinhof Gang, IRA, Red Army Faction, and Japanese Red Army.
It highlights the shift in the late 1970s from secular, left-leaning terrorists to Islamist extremists.
The book features prominent figures such as Leila Khaled and Carlos the Jackal.
Reviews praise the book's scope and detail, though some criticize its definition of 'revolutionists' and suggest more coverage on certain factions.
- Who
- Jason Burke (author), various revolutionary and terrorist groups and figures of the 1970s
- What
- A book detailing the rise of transnational terrorism in the 1970s, its key movements, tactics, and figures, noting a shift from secular left-leaning groups to Islamist extremists.
- When
- Primarily the 1970s, with a focus on events from the early to late parts of the decade.
- Where
- Global, including the Middle East, Europe (e.g., Tower of London), and the US (Washington). Specific mentions include Munich, Amman.
- Why
- To chronicle and explain the 'brutal and random' nature of the 1970s through the lens of transnational terrorism and revolutionary movements.
Criticisms of the Book
Praise for the Book
Definition of 'Revolutionists'
Criticisms of the Book
The book's failure to precisely define 'revolutionists' is a flaw, particularly when discussing Israeli state terrorism and Mossad's actions, which are hard to categorize as revolutionary struggle.
Praise for the Book
The book is praised as 'superb' and 'monumental', offering a fascinating chronicle of lethal conspirators and Western killers.
Scope of Coverage
Criticisms of the Book
More space could have been dedicated to the power plays within Palestinian factions.
Praise for the Book
The book is described as 'epic', 'lively', and 'well written', with sharp vignettes of principal combatants.
- Book Title
- The Revolutionists
- Author
- Jason Burke
- Time Period Covered
- 1970s
- Key Movements Discussed
- Palestine Liberation Organization, Baader-Meinhof Gang, IRA, Red Army Faction, Japanese Red Army
- Notable Figures Mentioned
- Leila Khaled, Ilich Ramírez Sánchez (Carlos the Jackal), Kozo Okamoto
- Author's Experience
- Foreign correspondent for nearly 30 years