“The real enemy of my people is here. I will not disgrace my religion, my people or myself by becoming a tool to enslave those who are fighting for their own justice, freedom and equality.” —Muhammad Ali on refusing to fight in Vietnam
The myth of American innocence is perpetually reinvented in the face of an unprecedented history of violence, upheld by bipartisan consensus and a pliant corporate media.
Alongside its history of settler colonialism, cruel border policies, and overt and covert military intervention around the world, the US also has been home to a long tradition of resistance to war and militarism—often including the participation of active-duty soldiers and veterans. There are histories that urgently need to be remembered.
To better equip the movement against imperialism for the struggles to come, we offer a reading list on the tremendous violence carried out by the American Empire, and the heroic efforts of those who oppose it.
No to war, no to empire. Open the borders. Refugees welcome. Unconditional support to war resisters.
In 2026, we’re celebrating 25 years of publishing “Books for Changing the World.” In those 25 years, we’ve helped build critical space and infrastructure for radical ideas and movements on the left to grow. That work of institution-building and popular political education has never been more necessary or more urgent. We need your help to continue to do this work.