One conclusion that you're forced to draw from this book is that hegemony is rated above survival among those with the most power to make decisions which affect our lives.

On page 138, "John Maynard Keynes warned seventy years ago that nothing less than the democratic experiment in self-government was endangered by the threat of global financial market forces." This警示 us that the power of the global financial market may undermine the very foundation of our democratic system.

On page 139, it is stated that "What remains of democracy is largely the right to choose among commodities. Business leaders have long explained the need to impose on the population a 'philosophy of futility' and 'lack of purpose in life,' to 'concentrate human attention on the more superficial things that comprise much of fashionable consumption.'" This shows how our society has been shaped by the interests of business leaders, who prioritize consumerism over the deeper values and purposes of life.

In conclusion, this book reveals the complex and often disturbing relationship between power, democracy, and consumerism in our modern world.

Noam Chomsky is truly an intelligent individual with strong opinions on politics. I, on the other hand, know very little about these matters.

The book under discussion delves into the US's invasion of Iraq following 9/11 and draws comparisons with US politics from the latter half of the 20th century. It covers events such as Reagan's actions in South/Central America, Kennedy and the situation in Cuba, as well as the US's involvements in Vietnam, Turkey, Romania, and of course, Chomsky's favorite topic, the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Chomsky's central argument is centered around the hypocrisy of the aforementioned administrations. They pay lip service to "democracy" and a "war on terror," yet in reality, the US is merely safeguarding its strategic interests. In the process, it crushes the nascent democracy in developing countries and either directly commits acts of terror or supports regimes that do so. This all stems from the root cause that political power in the US is held by those with economic power, to the detriment of the vast majority of the country, although this aspect is not elaborated upon in the book.

While Chomsky is highly knowledgeable and his cynicism makes for an entertaining read (to the extent that it made me chuckle or laugh out loud on numerous occasions), the main drawback of this book is that it reads more like a rant rather than a well-structured argument at a high level.

It is widely known that America, under successive Presidents, while professing the ideals of democracy and human rights, props up the worst kind of tin pot dictators and dumps them when their purpose is served. Moreover, the American establishment creates unimaginable terror in subverting many democratically elected Governments to serve its own interest.

In 'Hegemony or Survival', Noam Chomsky lays bare the real intentions behind the continuous policy of the military industrial establishment of America. Irrespective of whether the Democratic Party or the Republic Party is in power, their aim is to safeguard their business interests. It is because of this policy, Chomsky argues, that the fight against terror is going to be a big battle. This book, published in 2004, is about the American action of invading Iraq in 2003, in utter disregard of International Law, with the sole objective of safeguarding their strategic interests. Chomsky traces this policy of America to 'Wilsonian idealism', which stressed the role of America as the 'historical vanguard' in maintaining world dominance.

The policy of America over the years has been constantly questioned and attacked by many intellectuals on the left of the spectrum. But in Chomsky's well-researched and coherent articles, the arguments take on a new shape and force. Nobody can dispute that America, as a dominant democratic power, has a duty to uphold a just international order and further democratic governments worldwide. However, what is regrettable is that, in their zeal to portray America as the one and only evil in the world, many leftist intellectuals overlook the role of countries like China, which has a sordid record of flagrant human rights violations, and countries like Pakistan, which have turned into 'Jihadi Factories', undermining international institutions and subverting democratic governments. Moreover, some recent terrorist attacks are due to rabid and sectarian fundamentalism, and it is simplistic to hope that this type of fundamentalism will vanish by addressing the imagined grievances of selective minority groups.

Noam Chomsky is truly one of the most underappreciated public intellectuals in the United States. Before delving into his ideas, I mostly heard negative remarks about his supposed overt anti-Americanism from both the Left and the Right. However, once one truly understands his project and what he is actually saying, the term "anti-American" fails to describe Chomsky accurately.

Although I have read his articles and his book "On Language," and listened to or watched numerous interviews, lectures, and presentations, this is the first strictly political book of his that I have read. And it is nothing short of impressive.

I am glad I began with this book as it focuses almost exclusively on issues and events that have taken place during my lifetime, and most of them are quite recent. This book is largely a response to the post-9/11 policies and military actions of the United States, such as the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq and the growth of the national security state. Much of Chomsky's point, that the official behavior of the United States is not democratic in any real sense, was something I was already aware of. The brilliance of his presentation in this book lies in its forthright undeniability. He provides copious citations to sources and weaves various events and reports into a cohesive, historically grounded whole, leaving the reader convinced that things are not as they seem and that there is always a great need for people willing to do the legwork, research, and task of proclaiming Truth to Power.

After spending a couple of years watching Chomsky videos on YouTube, I finally made up my mind and decided to read this book, which became the first one of his that I delved into. And it truly didn't disappoint me at all.

His knowledge and analysis of world affairs are incredibly exhaustive. There are so many awful things highlighted in this book that it's difficult to keep up. It serves as a great resource if you have an interest in American foreign policy in general, especially when it comes to our interventionism in the Middle East and Central America.

If there is still a tiny part of your psyche believing that maybe the War in Iraq was somehow justifiable, this book will surely put an end to that thought decisively. The essays on the American-Israel relationship and nuclear proliferation at the end of the book seem to pour salt into the wounds that Chomsky exposes throughout all the preceding chapters.

It's hard to claim that this book is biased if you really engage with it. Although Chomsky firmly belongs to the left wing, his continuous recitation of facts constructs an argument that any side would find it hard to refute. Highly recommended!

My first encounter with a Noam Chomsky book was a significant one, despite having read various articles and excerpts from him before.

This particular book is truly remarkable as it meticulously details U.S. foreign relations policies up until 2004. In terms of the subject matter, Chomsky is undeniably THE expert.

Not only has he dedicated himself to diligent research, but he also manages to bring these complex, multi-layered, and nuanced problems to the forefront.

If you inhabit a world where you firmly believe that the U.S. is flawless and altruistic in its interactions with the rest of the world, you might want to think twice before reading this book. Because it will undoubtedly cast doubt on all of those assumptions. Personally, I think it completely shatters them.

Chomsky, being a philosopher at heart, places all presidents, regardless of their political affiliation, under scrutiny.

What is the ultimate goal of the U.S. in terms of world dominance? Is it striving to be hegemonic in its dealings with other countries? Wonder why so much of the world holds a negative view of the U.S.?

I have often asserted that the U.S. is the bully of the world, compelling others to meet its expectations at any cost, even if it comes at a price to its own people.

I firmly believe that this book only serves to strengthen that argument. However, many others would contend that what the U.S. does in the world is not bullying but rather a means of survival in a time when despots, ruthless authoritarians, and dictators are all too prevalent in the global climate.

I would counter that we are the ones creating those problems through our unwavering pursuit of hegemony. Now, it's up to you to decide what you think.

Life-altering experiences can have a profound impact on our lives. They can change our perspectives, values, and goals.

These experiences can come in many forms, such as a major illness, the loss of a loved one, or a significant career change.

When we go through a life-altering event, it can be both challenging and rewarding. It forces us to face our fears, learn new skills, and grow as individuals.

For example, a person who has a near-death experience may come out of it with a newfound appreciation for life and a desire to live each day to the fullest.

Similarly, someone who loses their job may be forced to reevaluate their career goals and pursue a new path that is more fulfilling.

In conclusion, life-altering experiences can be difficult to endure, but they can also lead to positive change and personal growth. It is important to embrace these experiences and use them as an opportunity to become a better version of ourselves.

Noam Chomsky presents yet another comprehensive political condemnation of the United States. This time, he positions the entire human species as potential casualties of far-right elite power. The scope of this volume is extremely wide and far-reaching. Chomsky delves into various topics such as the Bush doctrine, Iraq, the Middle East, globalization, the Cold War, and nuclear proliferation, to name just a few. His scholarship is commendable, yet he still tends to overreach. Regarding the FRY issue, Chomsky persists in making incorrect assumptions about the appropriate response to Serbian aggression. He is not an authority on this matter and almost solely depends on leftist publications. However, his section on Israel-Palestine showcases his continued expertise in the subject.

There are a few points to note. Chomsky sometimes makes passing references to well-known systems of thought without providing direct quotations. For instance, when discussing Clinton's unilateral bombing of the al-Shifa plant in Sudan in 1998, he mentions "the Hegelian doctrine that Africans are `mere things', whose lives have `no value.'" (pg. 207), but no direct reference to Hegel is given. Additionally, on page 100, Chomsky claims that "the figure of $17 billion is the amount that Iraq has paid to people and companies [...]", without a citation. He also quotes Paul Wolfowitz as "praising the monstrous Suharto and supporting the brutal and corrupt Marcos" (pg. 114), without proper citation. One final scholarly concern is on page 233, where Chomsky writes that "Washington had argued that `access to American bio-defense installations' might reveal military secrets," but he refers to Judith Miller in the footnote (see #35 pg. 266), who later proved to be a disreputable journalist.

Nevertheless, Chomsky's belief that the forces of U.S. power pose a threat to the survival of the human race is valid and worthy of serious consideration. His knowledge of politics is undeniably formidable. However, I disagree with his constant use of the term "truism" (especially in chapter 8 `Terrorism and Justice, pgs. 187 - 216). In human affairs, there are no "truisms." No matter how meticulously one arranges facts, they remain just facts, not "truisms." Even the most respected journalists, scholars, and human rights organizations are unable to report the facts accurately and truthfully.

The so-called "usual absolute crackpot nonsense from Chompsky" is a rather one-sided and dismissive view.

Chompsky is a highly influential figure in the fields of linguistics and cognitive science. His work has made significant contributions and has sparked intense discussions and debates.

While some may disagree with his ideas or interpretations, it is unfair to simply label them as "crackpot nonsense" without a thorough understanding and analysis.

We should approach his work with an open mind and engage in a rational and objective dialogue to better understand the complex issues he raises.

Rather than simply dismissing it as a waste of time, we should consider the potential value and insights that can be gained from studying his ideas.

After all, in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, it is important to explore different perspectives and ideas, even if they may seem controversial or challenging at first.

Among the most harrowing books I've ever read on American morality, Chomsky's work stands out.

His words are truly devastating. He writes with a controlled fury that is palpable on every page.

However, it's important to note that his cynicism never completely eclipses the small hope he has for the future of our world.

Despite my long-standing passion for reading about U.S. history, this book left me in awe of just how much I didn't know.

It opened my eyes to a wealth of information and perspectives that I had previously overlooked.

I was able to learn an incredible amount from this book, and it has forever changed the way I view American morality and history.

Chomsky's work is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and often disturbing reality of our world.

This must be the most despairing book that I have read in my life, but it is also necessary.

It presents a world full of hardships and challenges, where hope seems to be constantly fading away. The characters in the book struggle against the cruel reality, facing one difficult situation after another.

However, despite the overwhelming sense of despair, there is still a glimmer of hope hidden within the story. It makes me realize that even in the darkest of times, there is always a possibility of finding a way out.

This book has taught me a valuable lesson about perseverance and the importance of not giving up. It has also made me more grateful for the good things in my life and has given me a new perspective on the meaning of hope.

Overall, although it is a despairing read, it is one that I will never forget and one that has had a profound impact on me.

Turn off your TV and radio.

Throw away your magazines and newspapers which project a fake façade of world affairs and brainwash the populations.

And then, read Noam Chomsky. He matter-of-factly exposes the crimes of the master International Terrorist State (USA) and its European and Middle Eastern appendages and collaborators in their mission to dominate the world, covering a period from WWII to post 9-11.

Chomsky has an encyclopedic knowledge of history and world affairs. He uses this knowledge to expose how terrorism is incubated, nurtured, and unleashed by the master terrorist and its collaborators in parts of the world. This includes in some client states and even against its own citizens to keep them fearful and on a short leash, playing both sides depending on their political agenda and material interests.

History is a witness to the fact that hegemony inevitably leads to war. In this age of nuclear weapons, any major conflict will surely put the survival of human civilization in jeopardy. This is the grim conclusion from the book, unless imperialist cultures and attitudes change.