On Guerrilla Warfare

work by Mao Zedong

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July 1, 2026

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On Guerrilla Warfare is a seminal work by Mao Zedong that codifies his theories on protracted revolutionary war. It emphasizes that guerrilla warfare is a crucial, though not sole, component of a larger political strategy aimed at overthrowing an existing government. Mao's strategy, derived from his experiences fighting the Nationalist government, posits that revolution in China would originate from the rural peasantry, not the urban working class.

The work details tactics based on surprise, deception, mobility, and attacking weaknesses, advocating for hit-and-run operations rather than direct confrontation. It stresses the importance of popular support, political goals, and disciplined leadership. Mao's theories, outlined in On Guerrilla Warfare (1937), have profoundly influenced revolutionary movements worldwide.123

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…of protracted revolutionary war, Mao’s On Guerrilla Warfare (1937), which was later called “the most radical, violent and extensive theory of war ever put into effect.”
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…of protracted revolutionary war, Mao’s On Guerrilla Warfare (1937), which was later called “the most radical, violent and extensive theory of war ever put into effect.”
Read More