Event 64 | Paul Mason | Reds

Journalist Paul Mason discusses his book Reds, a global history of communism, in conversation with Paul Lashmar at Bridport Literary Festival.

Paul Mason, the former Channel 4 News reporter, talks to journalist Paul Lashmar about Reds, his global history of communism. The book traces communist ideas from the ancient world through the rise of 19th-century anti-capitalist movements, and examines how the idealism of millions led to mass murder and repression. Drawing on testimonies from perpetrators and victims, Mason explores how a 20th-century political experiment became a totalitarian nightmare, and warns that Western democracies' lack of self-belief may see China's authoritarian development model embraced as an alternative.