Toppling the First Ministry: Kerala, the CIA, and the Struggle for Social Justice
Struggle Justice: Toppling the First Ministry examines Kerala’s first Communist ministry, elected in 1957, and the campaign that brought it down. T. M. Thomas Isaac and Richard W. Franke draw on documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act to explore alleged CIA involvement and the ministry’s social-development agenda.
At a glance
- Focuses on the 1957 Communist ministry in Kerala and its land redistribution, public education, and healthcare proposals.
- Uses documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act to examine alleged covert activity and local allies.
- Also considers Kerala’s subsequent left-led governments and its development approach.
Reference price: $89.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- Connects a specific episode in Kerala’s political history with broader questions about foreign intervention and postcolonial development.
- The 288-page print edition offers a defined scope for readers seeking a focused historical account.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Monthly Review Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | July 5, 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 288 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1685901085 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1685901080 |
| Weight listed | 1.04 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 0.81 x 8.5 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in Kerala, Indian political history, communism, or Cold War-era foreign intervention.
- Students and general readers exploring links between social policy, political agitation, and development.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a general introduction to all of Indian history or a neutral survey of development policy across India.
Frequently asked questions
What historical episode does the book cover?
It examines Kerala’s first Communist ministry, established in 1957, and the agitation that led to its removal.
What does the book say about the CIA?
The listing describes an investigation into covert CIA operations and local allies, while noting that the CIA has not claimed a direct role in toppling the Kerala government.
What publication details are listed?
The listing gives Monthly Review Press as publisher, English as the language, and 288 pages for the print edition.
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