The Jakarta Method: Washington's Anticommunist Crusade and the Mass Murder Program That Shaped Our World

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR, THE FINANCIAL TIMES, AND GQ

"A radical new history of the United States abroad" (Wall Street Journal) which uncovers U.S. complicity in the mass-killings of left-wing activists in Indonesia, Latin America and around the world

In 1965, the US government helped the Indonesian military kill approximately one million innocent civilians--eliminating the largest Communist Party outside China and the Soviet Union and inspiring other copycat terror programs.

In this bold and comprehensive new history, Vincent Bevins draws from recently declassified documents, archival research, and eyewitness testimony to reveal a shocking legacy that spans the globe. For decades, it's been believed that the developing world passed peacefully into the US-led capitalist system. The Jakarta Method demonstrates that the brutal extermination of unarmed leftists was a fundamental part of Washington's final triumph in the Cold War.

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Published Apr 27, 2021

352 pages

Average rating: 9.54

28 RATINGS

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Astoria Non-fiction Book Club

Welcome to the Astoria Non-fiction Book Club! This is a space for progressive-minded folks to meet (in-person) and discuss our favorite non-fiction books. We're based in Astoria, but open to people from all around the city.

Community Reviews

Weslynn
Dec 12, 2025
10/10 stars
This book is well researched and should be required reading. Not many of us know what of the atrocities the US government has committed in the name of “fighting communism.” If people had a better idea of the unrest the US has caused across the globe, I’d hope US citizens would have more empathy for refugees entering the country. This book managed to maintain a non-biased approach and the author’s story telling didn’t make me feel like he is trying to sell me a narrative. Rather, he’s just delivering the truth as plainly as he can. Some of the first hand accounts are heart wrenching. I appreciate the author’s approach to asking survivors about their experience, as opposed to just asking questions about torture and trauma.
michelle kindle
Oct 19, 2024
10/10 stars
The crucial, missing side of history is told. As Indonesians, this is such a devastating read. It is as important, heartbreaking, and painful as ever to be told, especially living through how current generations so easily forgot what happened. I'm at loss for words, but I am grateful that these stories are put into words.

Maybe will write more later, I cannot conjure up words.. but must read.
rothkore
Jul 14, 2024
10/10 stars
If you want to learn anything about international politics and world history, read this. It's a rough read, but it's well-written to the extent that I was able to get through it with little issue.
AlexCruse
Jan 03, 2023
10/10 stars
5 stars.

This should be required reading.

If you've ever wondered why there is so much unrest, destruction, oppression, etc. in Southeast Asia and Central and South America...the call is coming from inside the house.

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