The Origins and Modern Usage of 'Manchurian Candidate'

The term 'Manchurian Candidate' has a rich origin story dating back to a 1959 novel of the same name. This article explores the history, usage, and modern interpretation of this term.

Origin of the Term

The term 'Manchurian Candidate' was coined by Richard Condon in his 1959 novel by the same name. The story revolves around a Korean War veteran who is brainwashed by Communist agents to become an unwitting assassin, serving as a tool for their political agenda. This novel was later adapted into a film in 1962 and again in 2004, further popularizing the term in popular culture.

Usage in Different Contexts

The term 'Manchurian Candidate' has been used in various contexts since its introduction. In a contemporary example, the Israeli Ambassador and his deputy are referred to as 'Manchurian Candidates' because they are not working for their nation but for an external power. Similarly, other examples include:

The Israeli Ambassador and his deputy are Manchurian candidates because they don’t work for their nation.

Historical Context

The term has also been associated with historical figures and events. For instance, during World War II, Nazi occultist Heinrich Himmler reportedly employed the term 'Gebo', reflecting a similar concept of mind control and manipulation. This highlights the long-standing interest in the concept of sleeper agents and brainwashing.

The Book and Movie

In 1959, Richard Condon published a book titled 'The Manchurian Candidate'. This book was later adapted into a film in 1962, and again in 2004. The plot involves Communists capturing and brainwashing American POWs at a camp in Manchuria. These POWs are then turned into 'sleepers', unaware that they are now serving as tools for the Communist cause. The term 'Manchurian Candidate' hence came to mean a sleeper agent, whose actions are manipulated to serve a foreign power's interests.

The Basic Plot

The original 1962 film features a compelling narrative involving protagonists Frank Sinatra, Angela Lansbury, and Laurence Harvey. The movie makes sense when one watches it, offering a clear portrayal of the term's usage.

Recent Controversial Claims

In recent times, the term 'Manchurian Candidate' has been linked to controversial claims about political figures. For instance, some have alleged that Donald Trump is a 'Manchurian Candidate' for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The claim suggests that Trump has been programmed to act against the interests of the United States. While these claims are disputed and lack solid evidence, they highlight the ongoing interest in this concept.

Analysis and Perception

To many, the term 'Manchurian Candidate' signifies an American political candidate whose success has been surreptitiously engineered by a foreign power hostile to the US to serve the interests of that power. The core definition remains a person who has unknowingly been convinced to act in favor of some interest, manipulated by a foreign entity.

The Modern Definition

The term is now generally used to refer to a person who has been unknowingly manipulated to act in the interests of a foreign power. This aligns with the original plot of the novel and the films, where the 'Manchurian Candidate' is a sleeper agent brainwashed to serve a particular cause.

Characteristics of a 'Manchurian Candidate'

A 'Manchurian Candidate' is typically characterized by their lack of awareness of the true nature of their actions. They are manipulated to perform tasks that benefit the foreign power, often without any conscious understanding of the underlying motives.

The Name Origin

The term 'Manchurian Candidate' is derived from the initial plot of the 1959 novel set in Manchuria. In the book, the chosen 'Manchurian Candidate' is brainwashed into becoming an assassin to benefit a corporation called 'Manchurian Global', hence the name.

In conclusion, the term 'Manchurian Candidate' has evolved from a literary concept to a widely recognized term used in political discourse. Understanding its origin and usage helps in comprehending the potential threats and manipulation faced by individuals and nations today.