If there were any one thing that Noam Chomsky should be revered for, it would have to be his indelible use of evidence. In his latest authored work entitled Failed States, Chomsky meticulously sifts through the use of the rhetoric of principles and compares it to its actual practice, presenting a chilling exposition of “The (American) Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy.”

Throughout the book, Chomsky focuses his attention on the deterioration of domestic democracy in the United States. He elaborates on which principles and, more specifically, what actions are contributing to such corrosion. Moreover, not only does Chomsky accurately provide citations and evidence for his arguments, but he also points to further notions that the current “Assault on Democracy” is the continuation of a process that has been cemented in principles and institutionalized in practice throughout history.

In a remarkably concise yet convicting piece, Chomsky presents a valid case for why the current direction of the United States (at home and abroad) is leading toward the definition of a “Failed State.” More importantly, he presents a reasonably optimistic faith in the public and the possible change that may be in the making.

Firstly, Chomsky begins Failed States with the chapter titled “Stark, dreadful and inescapable.” This is in reference to a 1955 appeal from Bertrand Russell and Albert Einstein to the world to either renounce war or risk nuclear annihilation. Not long into the chapter, Chomsky goes on to state his primary objective in the book, which is to argue that the United States (or the Elitist/Ruling interests) do not adhere to the most elementary moral truism: The current incumbents do not apply to themselves the same standards they demand of others.

Throughout the chapter (as the chapter is divided up by subsections), Chomsky’s primary contention is that the US’ current (as well as past) actions towards Nuclear Proliferation and Terrorism are not achieving their objectives of reducing the spread of WMD or terrorism. Instead, they are adversely encouraging and accelerating the spread of them. Relying on examples from Reagan’s SDI initiative, the denying of expert opinion regarding terrorism, and the further disregard of International bodies (a reoccurring theme) that the current administration has endorsed, Chomsky begins frighteningly with the prospects of the two most powerful forces on earth.

The second section of the book, entitled “Outlaw States,” speaks for itself in a reference to Chomsky’s reoccurring title of rogue or outlaw qualities of a state. This austere chapter poses the hypothesis that through veto power, the re-writing of law, and total rejection, the US in its actions and/or justifications at home and abroad is becoming characteristic of an outlaw state. Chomsky gives due regard for International bodies such as the UN, World Court, and Human Rights Organizations, while providing evidence for how the US acts in either total rejection or defiance of such bodies. With sections devoted to the rescinding of Geneva Conventions by torture tactics, the “ignorance” of corruption scandals, and the Self-Exclusion from persecution techniques, the chapter scornfully addresses the US as ignoring International Law and Cooperation and, furthermore, blatantly ignoring basic natural and/or human rights.

Chomsky presents all the evidence to precisely demonstrate how the United States can be regarded as a failed state.

This is truly disheartening to read, yet it serves as an outstanding source for historical illustrations of empire managers expressing their plans and concepts in clear and straightforward language.

Chomsky's work delves deep into the inner workings of the U.S. system, uncovering the flaws and shortcomings that have led to its current state.

By examining these receipts, we can gain a better understanding of the complex web of politics, economics, and social issues that have contributed to the decline of the nation.

Moreover, this analysis provides valuable insights into the strategies and tactics employed by empire managers throughout history, allowing us to learn from past mistakes and work towards a more just and sustainable future.

Despite the depressing nature of the subject matter, Chomsky's work is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the true nature of power and the forces that shape our world.

I'm a clueless millennial. I grew up with the knowledge that Bush's approach to foreign relations somehow contributed to his vilified reputation, but it was only on a superficial level. To be honest, I didn't know a huge amount about US politics to begin with.

Thankfully, this book was extremely helpful. It vividly illustrated the political and historical context of US-Middle East relations from the 90s until the mid-00s. The author did a great job of presenting the complex information in a clear and understandable way.

I especially appreciated the succinct writing style. It made it easy for me to follow along and not get lost in a sea of jargon.

Also, after reading this book, I now hate hegemony even more! Thanks, state capitalism! It really opened my eyes to the negative impacts of such policies.

This book has definitely increased my understanding of US politics and international relations, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in these topics.

Noam Chomsky continues with the demonization of the US in "Failed States".

http://www.knigolandia.info/2011/03/b...

Objectively speaking, I can't help but be a respecter of Noam Chomsky. With each of his books, he literally bites into American imperialism, impoverishes corporate greed, and shatters all the myths about "peace-making" and "imposing democracy" by "the greatest country on the planet".

This is good, but why do I have the feeling that I have already read these things between the pages of each of his books? Seriously, sometimes he reminds me of a psychotic commentator, the editor of sport1.bg, who pedantically lists the same "sins" of the capital football club in every one of his long writings.

Maybe Chomsky's ideas have become so well-known and repeated that they have lost some of their novelty. However, this does not mean that they are not still relevant and important. His critiques of US foreign policy and corporate power are still as valid today as they were when he first started writing.

It is important to continue to read and discuss Chomsky's work, even if we have heard some of his ideas before. By doing so, we can keep these important issues in the public eye and work towards a more just and peaceful world.