Useful study of the US state's activities

In this brilliant new book, Chomsky examines the US state and its credentials as a democracy. He concludes that it abuses its power and assaults democracy at home and abroad. He shows how it regards itself as `beyond the reach of domestic or international law, and hence free to carry out aggression and violence¿. He looks at `the increasing threat of destruction caused by US state power¿, when it opposes a Palestinian state, supports Israel¿s illegal occupation and settlements, illegally attacks Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Iraq, and threatens Iran and the DPRK. The US state asserts that it alone has the right to attack whoever it wants. In response, the UN High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change concluded in 2004, ¿the risk to the global order and the norm of nonintervention on which it continues to be based is simply too great for the legality of unilateral preventive action, as distinct from collectively endorsed action, to be accepted.¿ The US state also insists that it alone has the right to develop nuclear weapons. So in November 2004, it cast the sole vote against the proposed Fission Material Cutoff Treaty. 147 states voted for it and two abstained, Israel and Britain. Blair¿s representative ludicrously claimed that the resolution ¿divided the international community at a time when progress should be a prime objective.¿ Chomsky quotes some surprising people who recognise that other nations have the right to develop nuclear power and nuclear deterrents. Henry Kissinger, when his friend the Shah was misruling Iran, said, the ¿introduction of nuclear power will both provide for the growing needs of Iran¿s economy and free remaining oil reserves for export or conversion to petrochemicals.¿ South Korea¿s President Roh Moo-hyun said, ¿North Korea professes that nuclear capabilities are a deterrent for defending itself from external aggression. In this particular case it is true and undeniable that there is a considerable element of rationality in North Korea¿s claim.¿ As in all Chomsky¿s best books, he deploys an extraordinary range of references, brilliantly exposing official lies. Once again, he has produced a timely and useful book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Essential Reading

With cold hard facts and revealing insights, Chomsky destoys the illusion and sophistry of the corporate media and the ruling elite while casting the US as the most "failed" state on earth. A must-read for any person of conscience.

Love the USA?

If only one of the things he says is true, then the rest must be possible.
The most virulent, negative, anti America piece I have ever forced myself to read, painfull at times, but least now I know what the other half of the world thinks of us and why they want to kill us. I try to keep an open mind, which is why I read most of the book, which I found as distastefull as lima bean and brussel sprout goulash. I might try to argue point by point, the usual liberal diatribe how the greedy corps. coerce the government into despicable actions for the sake of meager increase in evil profits..... but like all demonizers, he is convinced of his opinions and if disproved would simply change the subject.. One sided, hateful, spiteful I just hope that it is ALL lies and distortions or the values of America need a major adjustment

Unbalanced but beautifully written and researched

Typical Chomsky that DOES border on the conspiracy theory idiom. Chomsky is a gifted writer and tenacious researcher who in this case fails to tell the whole truth due to his hatred of the U.S. and it's way of life. Are many of the misguided things he cites about American foreign policy true? Yes they are, but he doesn't balance it against the overwhelming positive things our nation has accomplished in this area or does he describe the evil we must oppose. Be wary of his agenda in all of his books.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Fascinating Truth

Fact based reflection on US foreign policy. As with all his works, Chomsky once again, bases his work on facts not widely reported, but not too difficult to verify, hence making him one of the few people who cant be labeled a conspiracy theorist. His reflections on American democracy and the dangers it poses to others and more so it self are a fresh and welcome contradiction to what the TV will tell you. Read this and whether you agree or disagree with him, you will admire his critical view on facts and fiction.

Excellence Unmatched.

Chomsky delivers another sobering insight to US Foreign Policy of yesteryear and the continuing path we stray. He delivers it eloquently and concise and engulfs the reader with factual accounts of global injustice suffered at the hands of the worlds most dominate rouge state. Chomsky accounts details of social injustice and highlights inconsistencies with great mastery. I found this read to be rather insightful and alarming, and I appreciate the great efforts put forth by Chomsky to create such a forthright and honest portrayal of American Foreign policy.

An Appeal to Reason

Noam Chomsky is considered the world's leading intellectual for good reason: he's incredibly well-informed, utilizes logic and strong analysis to make arguments, uses evidence to support his claims, and is not dogmatic in his views. His latest book, 'Failed States', only solidifies even further his solid reputation in the world of academia. 'Failed States' effectively makes the argument that judging by the criteria of failed states, the United States seems to fit the bill. Chomsky makes three primary claims: U.S. foreign policy increases the threat of global terrorism through acts of imperialism and hegemony, the U.S. exempts itself from international law and treaties and treats the UN with utter contempt, and undermines democratic institutions domestically through the corporatization of the media. My only complaint lies with Chomsky's writing style. Sometimes he's hard to follow and at times a little dense. This is only a minor quibble in an otherwise great (and important) read. For those looking for a comprehensive anaylsis on U.S. foreign policy, 'Failed States' will certainly satisfy. Chomsky's views are only outside of the mainstream among America's political elite: many (possibly a majority) around the world share his perspective on U.S. policy. Highly recommended!

Objective thought before conveyance

'A Literary Disaster' and 'This Book is Garbage' (Yes, those have become your names) clearly are not well-read and don't have the slightest notion of critical literary or political analysis. You gave no response, merely simplistic, uninformed opinion on defensive terms. It saddens me that I live amongst such people. Check that data on liberals(whatever that means) being a minority - you are mistaken...

A Literary Disaster

Is America a failed state? It sure is hard to make that argument! Why do we try to exert our influence on so-called failed states? Its simply in our interest of preservation and prosperity. Show me another nation that goes to the lengths as this country to protect its citizens. Its hard for some left-wing citizens to understand that there are organizations and nations that want to kill Americans. It is within our right to exert our influence in whatever manner will ensure our safety, security, and prosperity and prevent this from happening. Ol Norm forgot to mention religious extremism as a characteristic of a failed state...so if you are into bashing your own country, then this garbage is for you.

0 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Highly recommended.

Failed States: The Abuse Of Power And The Assault On Democracy is a stinging criticism of American arrogance and its failures to live up to the spirit of democracy by esteemed linguistics and philosophy president Noam Chomsky. In an era where the United States repeatedly asserts its right to use military might against 'failed states' around the globe, Noam Chomsky reveals the dangerous features that the United States shares with other failed states - nations that are unable or unwilling 'to protect their citizens from violence and perhaps even destruction' and 'regard themselves as beyond the reach of domestic or international law.' Failed states, Chomsky observes, are characterized by a 'democratic deficit' that leeches any real democratic substance from their governmental institutions. Chomsky then scrutinizes how the United States electoral system is designed to eliminate genuine political alternatives, crippling meaningful democracy how Washington increasingly exempts itself from international norms how American efforts to militarize the planet increase the risk of nuclear war and how repeated sound bites, so effective to the jaded American public, are much less useful when repeated to Iraqi citizens who belong to a society that is more demanding of open and thorough discussion. Highly recommended.

This book is garbage

More liberal drek. Another book from a so-called intellectual that claims everything the US does is wrong, and will eventually lead to our downfall. Its interesting how everyone can condemn our actions, but cannot live without our money and support. Remember liberals, you are the minority for a good reason. If you don't like it, you can leave. How one can say America is a failed state is an absurd statement. Sometimes, we are not the ones to blame...why is that so hard to accept?

0 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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