Product guide

The Jakarta Method: Washington's Anticommunist Crusade and the Mass Murder Program That Shaped Our World

Washington's Crusade Murder Program That: The Jakarta Method is Vincent Bevins's history of U.S. involvement in Cold War anticommunist campaigns and mass killings, with a focus on Indonesia and their wider influence. Its 352-page reprint combines historical analysis with first-person accounts, according to the listing.

At a glance

Covers the Indonesian mass killings and the Cold War context around them.
The publisher description says the book draws on declassified documents, archival research and eyewitness testimony.
Customer feedback praises its research and narrative, including the combination of personal accounts and historical analysis.

Price

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Reference price: ~~$21.99~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Connects Indonesia's Cold War history with campaigns and events beyond the country.
The listed 352-page length gives readers a substantial account without implying a multi-volume set.
Customer feedback specifically appreciates the research and engaging narrative.

Cons

Its subject matter centers on political violence and mass killings, which may not suit readers seeking a light or casual history book.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Publication
Publisher	PublicAffairs
Publication date	April 27, 2021
Edition	Reprint
Language	English
Print length	352 pages
ISBN-10	1541724003
ISBN-13	978-1541724006

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	12.8 ounces
Dimensions	5.7 x 1.2 x 8.3 inches

What to know before buying

The publisher description frames the book around U.S. involvement in anticommunist campaigns and the global influence of events in Indonesia. Buyers looking for a narrow account of Indonesia alone should note that the scope is broader.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers interested in Cold War history, Indonesia and U.S. foreign policy.
Readers who value historical nonfiction combining documentary research with eyewitness accounts.
Book groups or students exploring political history and the consequences of anticommunist campaigns.

Less suited to

Readers seeking fiction, a brief overview or a light subject.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.8 / 5 · 2,003 ratings

5 stars84%84%
4 stars12%12%
3 stars3%3%
2 stars1%1%
1 star0%0%

Customer feedback highlights the book's research, writing and compelling narrative, with some readers describing it as eye-opening and relevant. The reported appreciation for first-person accounts alongside historical analysis may matter to readers seeking an accessible account of Cold War Indonesia. Aggregate ratings are strongly favorable overall, but they cannot establish which parts every reader valued.

Positive themes

Readers praise the research and historical content.
Feedback appreciates the compelling, well-crafted narrative and readability.
Some readers highlight the combination of personal accounts and historical analysis.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Jakarta Method about?

The listing describes a history of Washington's anticommunist campaigns and mass killings, focusing on Indonesia and the wider influence of those events.

What research does the publisher say the book uses?

The publisher description cites declassified documents, archival research and eyewitness testimony.

How long is this edition?

The listing gives a print length of 352 pages and identifies the edition as a reprint.

What do customers report about the book?

Feedback highlights its research, readability and narrative, including appreciation for its use of first-person accounts alongside historical analysis.