Missiles for the Masses is a multi-part series exploring counterinsurgency and its various uses against liberation and protest movements across the globe.

Part 1: What is Counterinsurgency?

Mercedes and Abi give an overview of counterinsurgency and the ways it is used by the state, as well giving a brief history of the development of counterinsurgency in different national contexts as a method of suppression of popular, anti colonial uprisings. Listen to part one on spotify or via the 3CR wesbite here.

Part 2: Counterinsurgency and the Media

Mercedes and Abi discuss the rhetorical and linguistic devices that the media and state employ to build the legitimacy of the state, delegitimise resistance and justify expanding militarism. There is a particular focus on phrases used by the media and the government. The two-fold nature of such devices is explored in how they attempt to separate activists and movements from the broader public, whilst justifying state-sanctioned violence. Listen to part two on spotify or via the 3CR website here.

Part 3: The Mythos of ANZAC Day

Part 3 of Missiles for the Masses focuses on the development of the mythos of ANZAC Day, and how this ties into the 28 Articles of Counterinsurgency, outlined in military field guides. Mercedes and Abi discuss the fabrication of nationalist narratives as an attempt by settler-colonies to legitimise the occupation of First Nations lands, and the expansion of militarism. The politicisation of the ANZAC mythos is analysed historically in the context of defence build up, the bicentennial of 1988 and the normalisation of militarism through events like the Avalon Airshow. Listen to part two on spotify or via the 3CR website here.