The Appeals of Communism in Asia

Abstract

Assessment of the appeals of communism in Asia is handicapped by false conceptions and generalizations about the peoples of South and Southeast Asia. In Western writings and in the Western press, they are identified as "Asians," although they do not accept this identification them selves. Communist appeals are directed at the ethnic-lin guistic groups within each state. We have not analyzed the reasons why the peoples of the countries of southern Asia do not agree with us about the dangers of Communist expansion and world domination. We have not understood the bases for their attitudes which focus on different problems. Com munist appeals are more carefully directed to meet the real concerns of the peoples of this area. We tend to view the problems of communism as a contest in which one side must be a winner, and we tend to be impatient with those who are not either for us or against the Communists. This is illustrated by the many references to the contest between India and China as one of democracy versus communism. The impression is left that people in other Asian countries are watching this con test closely. Nothing could be farther from the truth. If we are successfully to counter the appeals of communism in Asia, we must study and investigate the history, culture, political behavior, and norms of conduct of the peoples in each country, particularly during the colonial period. We must know why segments of the people in each country think as they do and act as they do. This requires concerted research with at tempts to answer questions which are relevant to American policy formulation and action.