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1. Communism in the U.S. (29:48)

Date:
1961
Summary:
This program traces the history of the Communist Party in the United States. The dramatic sequences feature a re-enactment of the Bridgeman Convention in 1921 and show how the Communist Party of the United States was controlled by the Communist International, and directed by it. Benjamin Gitlow, former General Secretary of the Communist Party of America and American representative to the Comintern in the 1920’s, is a special guest on the program. Mr. Gitlow was twice candidate for Vice President of the USA on the Communist Party ticket. Mr. Gitlow was expelled from the Communist Party of America in 1929, as a result of his refusal to accept a directive ordering himto yield leadership of the Party.

2. International communism (29:41)

Date:
1961
Summary:
Discusses the international aims of the Communist Party and methods used to achieve these aims. Portrays Lenin's establishment of the Third International. Also reenacts the development of the ideas of a Communist hierarchy and of the justification of the use of illegal apparatuses for seizing control. Explains Communist maneuvers during the second half of the 1920's and in the 1930's, the Popular Front and the activities during the Spanish Civil War. Concludes with a description of the policies after 1947 and the ultimate aims of the Communist Party.

3. Marxism and the Communist Manifesto (28:59)

Date:
1961
Summary:
Provides a kaleidoscopic preview of Communist history. Explains the basis for the series and establishes documentary sources. Uses reenactments to show the collaboration on the Communist Manifesto by Marx and Engels, the development of Marxism, and the founding of the First International. Discusses the fallacy in Marx's premise and concludes by introducing Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, later known as Lenin.

4. The communist party in Japan (29:44)

Date:
1961
Summary:
Reviews the progress of the Communist Party in Japan from pre-war days to the present. Includes film footage showing the release from prison of leading communist leaders just after World War II. Discusses the high degree of trained leadership, the party and the party's influence in politics.

5. The Khrushchev era (29:04)

Date:
1961
Summary:
Discusses the Khrushchev era and interprets the policies of his regime. Provides details of Khrushchev's ascension to power and describes the differences between him and Stalin. Features special guest Merrill Spalding, research associate at the Hoover Institution and former professor of Russian history at Stanford University.

6. The myth exploded (29:59)

Date:
1961
Summary:
Features significant excerpts from the preceding 12 programs and lists the many myths of communism. These include (1) freedom for the working man, (2) communism as a genuine expression of the desire of subject peoples, (3) the dictatorship of the proletariat which became dictatorship over the proletariat, (4) Stalin and Lenin as heroes of the proletariat, and (5) communism as an independent political philosophy.

7. C. Northcote Parkinson : part III (29:48)

Date:
1960
Summary:
Does geography make a difference in political thought? Dr. Parkinson discusses his book Evolution of Political Thought, and suggests that geography, and geographical isolation, do make a difference in political thought and practice. He traces the cycle which goes from a primitive paternal structure through a monarchy to an aristocracy, then to a dictatorship, then back to monarchy. Although he sees this as a fairly consistent pattern, Professor Parkinson does not believe that this is, in effect, historical determinism. Men can change his destiny, he says, and the experiments in democracy, although they have not been going long enough to suggest a definite trend, prove man’s freedom of choice. In fitting the Soviet Union into this pattern, Professor Parkinson remarks that it could be called a technological monarchy.

8. Campaign Strategy (29:31)

Date:
1960
Summary:
Discusses the theory of political campaigns, and simulates, with actors, a committee outlining the campaign strategy for a candidate. Covers such issues as the techniques to be used, to whom they will appeal, and financing the campaign. Gives a general summary and evaluation of party campaigns and strategies. (University of Michigan Television) Kinescope.

9. Case studies in the new nationalism : the Arab world (29:51)

Date:
1960
Summary:
Discusses the history of Arab Nationalism, Arab Nationalistic competition, and Republican versus Monarchical Nationalism. Surveys the use of Nasser in Egypt. Explains the role of anti-colonialism and anti Zionism in the nationalistic rise of the Arab World. Illustrates with film clips, pictures, and maps.

10. Case Studies in the New Nationalism: Asia (29:40)

Date:
1960
Summary:
Surveys the rise of nationalism in China and India. Explains the role of Western influence in their struggles. Discusses the reactions of China and India to the impact of the West and the divergent roads traveled to nationalism.

11. Charles Malik : part 2 (29:27)

Date:
1960
Summary:
What problems are posed by the underdeveloped countries to the rest of the world? Mr. Malik begins by describing the standard of living, and what independence from colonial status has meant for these countries. Many of these must accept economic aid, raising the question of how they can accept it and remain independent. Mr. Malik believes that there are fundamental principles which must be common to all nations, whatever their social or political structure may be. These principles could in part be contributed by countries giving aid. Both the new and the established countries recognize the need for economic groupings similar to the OEEC, or the European Coal and Steel Community, although small nations are handicapped in participating by a lack of experience and of funds, a disproportionately large portion of which is devoted to the maintenance of an army. This, concludes Mr. Malik, is one reason why development is slower than it could be.

12. Charles Malik : part 3 (29:36)

Date:
1960
Summary:
What is the position of the Near Eastern countries today? Dr. Malik introduces the topic by describing why he feels education is so essential to their development. Theoretical values and general policies must be developed before specific problems can be attacked, such as the problems which Islam will have in adjusting to the modern world. It is no longer possible to return to pure Islam, free from the influences of the West, he believes. The Arab nations are anxious to become substantial, self-respecting members of the world community. They look for a leader who will give them direction and guidance without forcing them away from their traditional values. Of the revolutions which have upset the Arab world since the end World War II, Dr. Malik says these are usually due to circumstances which have become intolerable. At the end of the program, Dr. Malik presents a plea for understanding and toleration of the Arab community, as it attempts to establish itself in the modern world.

13. Charles Malik : part 4 (29:44)

Date:
1960
Summary:
Charles Malik, President of the General Assembly of the United Nations and ambassador from Lebanon discusses criticism and truth in world diplomacy. He is joined by Dr. Richard Cottam, Department of Political Science, University of Pittsburgh, and Mr. T.F.X. Higgins, Executive Director of the Foreign Policy Association of Pittsburgh.

14. Dr. Thomas A. Dooley (29:40)

Date:
1960
Summary:
On his PLATFORM programs, Dr. Thomas A. Dooley speaks his mind on the image of America in Southeast Asia. He calls for a renewal of the traditional American approach to under-developed countries --the approach through American individuals and voluntary organizations rather than heavy reliance on government agencies. “The most powerful tool we have is the human personality. Education is the most important thing we have to offer to Asia, and people are the only ones who can bring education. Books and propaganda leaflets cannot do it. The tremendous value that I wish more people in Washington would realize is the value of the individual person. If we would just flood these countries with individual young American men and women we could accomplish a great deal. We need people who will live and work with these people in their villages.” Dr. Dooley points out that the Communists realize that the future of Asia lies in the villages. They are making an intensive effort through local people to identify America with the hated French colonialism. He says the Communists attack the spirit of America and we too often counter with mere boasting about our material achievements. Dr. Dooley also discusses the “Great White Fleet” which he feels is going to cause more harm than good. He believes the term “Great White Fleet” is an unfortunate one since it fails to recognize the Asian distrust of the white man and hatred of colonialism. Fleets were instruments of imperialism in the past and a great aircraft carrier in a harbor of Asia or Africa even if it is loaded with medicine conveys another meaning to the people. His major criticism of the “Great White Fleet” is, however, that it is not a “grass roots” program designed to be an integral long-range part of the underdeveloped countries.

15. Expansion and Empire Building (29:15)

Date:
1960
Summary:
Traces the history of imperialism from the 15th Century to the present, Explains the reasons which lead to empire building by nation states. Discusses the geographical, economic, and political changes brought about by colonialism.

16. Nationalism, colonialism and free world military strategy (29:26)

Date:
1960
Summary:
America’s task is to stop imperialism. Communism is based on imperialism. What can we do? If we ally ourselves against Soviet imperialism we run into difficulty because of Nationalism and Colonialism. For instance, Portugal is our ally but a Portuguese colony in India wants to be our independent ally. Where is our loyalty? When faced with a choice such as this, our loyalty must remain with the countries which will protect the most people from aggression. And these problems are intensified because of atomic power. If we share it, will it alienate us from other powers? There is always the danger that if we give to nationalist nations, we cannot be sure that it will be used for peace. The basic problem lies in the fact that Soviet imperialism is ambiguous. What policy can we accept? NOTE: Since this program was completed, France has joined the “atomic club.”

17. Nationalism, colonialism, and the world community (29:31)

Date:
1960
Summary:
This program summarizes the major points which have been brought out in the series and evaluates Nationalism and Colonialism in terms of the basic problems now facing the world community – the paradox that he liberal idea of self-determination of nations may result in divisiveness and fragmentation of the world’s energies and resources at the very time when man’s power to unleash the forces of nature has made necessary the highest degree of international harmony and worldwide cooperation. How has the world community organized to deal with National-Colonial power? What is the future of Nationalism and Colonialism? These are the questions answered by Stoessinger in this program. Films of Philippine diplomat Carlos P. Romulo are included in this program.

18. Parties and Interest Groups (29:57)

Date:
1960
Summary:
Discusses the origin, development, and rise of political interest groups in America and their role in the legislative process. Describes the organization and techniques of interest groups, and reviews legislation governing their activities. (University of Michigan Television) Kinescope.

19. Parties and Voting Behavior (29:41)

Date:
1960
Summary:
Discusses the voting behavior of the public in the 1952 election. Compares the public participation in the 1952 election with participation in other countries. Classifies the eligible voters into three groups, and discusses significant aspects of each group. Presents reasons for people voting as they do. Reviews the shifts in parties controlling the federal government since 1916. (University of Michigan Television) Kinescope.

20. Reforming Our Parties (29:48)

Date:
1960
Summary:
Discusses the criticisms of the present party system and evaluates proposed changes. Points out the changes in the election system that would be necessary for any party reform. Suggests that any reforms would depend on greater public participation in the parties, which in turn would create less need for party reform. (University of Michigan Television) kinescope.