Gandhi, Mao, Mandela, and Gorbachev

by DeLuca, Anthony R.

• ISBN13: 9780275959692
• ISBN10: 0275959694
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-05-30
• Publisher: Praeger Pub Text

Summary

An examination of four charismatic personalities who shaped much of the political debate in the latter half of the 20th century, this study reveals how Gandhi, Mandela, Mao, and Gorbachev led movements that remade the world through their own selfless inspiration, dynamic political leadership, and genuine moral courage. DeLuca analyzes the relationship between politics, culture and society by focusing upon the personalities of these four figures and the ways in which they addressed issues of social change and political upheaval. Though different in terms of time and location, the problems they faced were similar, be it in their attempts to overthrow a repressive political regime or to promote economic and institutional reform within an existing system.

Author Biography

Anthony R. DeLuca is Professor of History at Emerson College.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Gandhi and the Struggle for India's Independence	1	(30)
Mao and the Communist Revolution in China	31	(32)
Mandela and Freedom in South Africa	63	(36)
Gorbachev and the Collapse of the Soviet Union	99	(64)
Conclusion	163	(10)
Suggestions for Further Reading	173	(4)
Index	177