Behind the Bastards Behind the Bastards

Part Two: Ian Smith: The Prime Minister of Rhodesia

Jun 25, 2026 · 1h 28m

Summary

This episode continues the series on Ian Smith, detailing the collapse of the Central African Federation and the rise of the white supremacist Rhodesian Front. Hosts discuss Smith’s 1964 election victory, his rejection of British demands for majority rule, and his 1965 Unilateral Declaration of Independence. The conversation highlights how Smith’s rigid racism prevented political compromise, forcing nationalist groups into armed resistance and sparking the Rhodesian Bush War.

Topics discussed

Intro: Racism, Puerto Rico, and Colonial Parallels Ad Breaks: Cascade, Simon Malls, PrEP, Sky Pop The Central African Federation and British Decolonization Ian Smith's Rise and the Rhodesian Front Party Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) in 1965 The Bush War: Guerrilla Tactics vs. Rhodesian Military Fireforce Operations and the Selous Scouts War Crimes: Biological Weapons and Psychological Ops Collapse, American Volunteers, and Ian Smith's Legacy Outro, Credits, and Final Ad Breaks
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