Presented with a massive sale on a large number of Noam Chomsky books, I recently became the proud owner of approximately a billion of them. So, expect them to appear in my reviews periodically, at least for the foreseeable future. (It was quite challenging to decide which of his numerous works would be the best to select from. Therefore, in the interest of making a decision more accessible, I purchased them all.) Similarly, not knowing where to begin, I randomly picked one – sort of. I mean, it did sound interesting, but I'm fairly certain most of them did. In "Rogue States", a compilation of articles and excerpts from various talks, Chomsky describes what makes a nation regarded as "rogue" on the world stage, typically by disregarding international law and being involved in a myriad of human rights violations. He uses this concept to present the United States as the most powerful and dangerous among them.

Chomsky details the shift that took place after the Cold War in the way the terror and aggression promoted by the US globally became rationalized. No longer able to point to the Red Menace as a justification for such heinous actions, politicians began advocating what the author terms "new humanism" – intervening to "protect" civilian victims abroad by supplying weapons and training to state terrorists, by imposing severe economic sanctions to starve the most vulnerable, or by simply bombing them. This was revisited and revised to some extent from the beginning of the 20th century, when it was similarly used as a pretext for the slaughter and subjugation of the innocent by the US, in both cases to maintain an international order favorable to this rogue power. (The book examines the devastating impacts of the US across the Middle East, the Balkans, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.)

And I found all of this enlightening, even putting modern politics into a better perspective. However, a major problem emerges: "Rogue States" is extremely repetitive. Each piece on its own, when viewed through a narrow lens, is well-written and highly informative. But the same or similar arguments are employed throughout. Coupled with frequent, verbatim repetition between pieces, you can probably envision that things become a bit tiresome by the end. As such, I'm in an awkward position when it comes to having an opinion about the collection. On one hand, the discussions within seem to be of great significance when it comes to truly understanding global affairs. But on the other hand, it's a bit of a tedious read. Perhaps, if any readers plan to give it a try, they could pick one piece that discusses a topic of interest and then put the book down for a week or longer in the hope that it shields them from the repetition?

He doesn't pull the punches!

He is a person who always speaks his mind directly and frankly. He doesn't hold back his opinions or soften his words to avoid hurting others' feelings. When he has something to say, he says it with full force and without any hesitation. This quality makes him stand out in a crowd. Some people may find his directness refreshing and honest, while others may be intimidated or offended by it. However, he doesn't seem to care about the consequences of his words. He believes that it is better to be true to himself and express his thoughts clearly than to sugarcoat the truth. In a world where many people are afraid to speak up, he is a rare breed who敢于直面问题 and tell it like it is.

The sequence of ideas, associations, and connections with the events is almost lost... There is no doubt that it contains a set of information and values, but it was difficult for me to read it easily.

It seems that the text lacks a clear structure and organization, making it a bit of a challenge to follow. The ideas might be jumbled up, and the relationships between them not clearly defined.

However, upon closer examination, one can still discover some interesting nuggets of information and valuable insights. It could be that with a little more effort and a different approach to reading, one could unlock the full potential of this text and gain a better understanding of its contents.

Maybe it requires reading it multiple times, taking notes, and trying to make sense of the various connections and associations on one's own. In any case, it is a text that demands some attention and engagement from the reader.

How does America control the destinies of peoples? How does it turn a blind eye to violations for certain reasons in some cases and condemn the same violations in other cases? Does America support terrorism or not? Does it carry out military coups in certain countries for its own interests? I believe the book answers and provides many examples for all these questions. It is a very excellent book for those interested in politics and its relationship with the balance of power in the world.

This book delves deep into the complex web of American policies and actions around the world. It examines how the United States has often exerted its influence in ways that have had a profound impact on the lives and futures of people in different countries.

By presenting a wealth of examples and case studies, the author helps readers understand the various mechanisms and motives behind America's behavior. Whether it's through economic sanctions, military interventions, or political manipulation, the book sheds light on the real nature of American power and its implications for the global community.

For those who are passionate about understanding the dynamics of international politics and the role of the United States in the world, this book is a must-read. It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can help us better navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of global affairs.

Wouldn't it be great if people truly had a change of heart and mind after delving into this book?

The power of a good book lies not only in its ability to entertain but also in its potential to inspire transformation.

This particular book has the potential to open up new perspectives and challenge existing beliefs.

It could make readers question their assumptions and consider alternative viewpoints.

By doing so, it might lead to a shift in their thinking and ultimately result in a change in their actions.

However, for this to happen, people need to approach the book with an open mind and a willingness to engage with its ideas.

They must be prepared to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the possibility of change.

Only then can they truly benefit from the wisdom and insights contained within the pages of this book.

On the bright side, Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher can’t make decisions any more.

Ronald Reagan was a significant figure in American politics, known for his conservative policies and leadership during the Cold War. Margaret Thatcher, on the other hand, was a powerful and influential leader in the United Kingdom, implementing radical economic reforms.

While both Reagan and Thatcher had their achievements, their policies also had their critics. Some argue that their decisions had negative consequences for certain groups or sectors of society.

Now that they are no longer in a position to make decisions, it gives us an opportunity to reflect on their legacies and consider the lessons that can be learned from their experiences.

We can analyze the impact of their policies and evaluate whether they were truly beneficial in the long run. This reflection can help us make more informed decisions in the present and shape a better future for all.

Noam Chomsky is a renowned intellectual, and another excellent book of his that I strongly recommend is worthy of our attention.

He astutely points out certain facts that I have long contemplated. The United States, for its own political and economic interests, has often been the aggressor. It has transitioned from ostensibly defending against communism to carrying out so-called "humanitarian" interventions.

Chomsky highlights the terrors that occurred in Indonesia and Angola. In these cases, the US did nothing to halt the atrocities. However, it invaded countries like Iraq and Nicaragua, which posed no real threat to it except perhaps in terms of potential economic benefits. All this was done under the guise of helping their people.

The UN charter established after World War II clearly states that countries should only act in self-defense. Regrettably, the US has been the offender in numerous instances, flouting these principles and undermining the very foundation of international order.

Chomsky's work offers a crucial perspective that challenges us to think critically about the actions and motives of powerful nations.

Here, Chomsky provides a detailed account of the United States' growing and blatant disregard for the United Nations and international legal precedent when justifying its motives and actions. This is particularly evident in relation to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He delves into specific examples such as the U.S. actions in Kosovo and Indonesia's occupation of East Timor during the tenure of Indonesian President Suharto, which was marred by violence and brutality. In Chomsky's view, these instances demonstrate that the U.S. is acting more like a rogue state than anything else.

Chomsky also explores Article 13(2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that "Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country", and how this pertains to Palestine.

One significant aspect I learned from this is Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which declares that "Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution." On 10 December 1948, the Universal Declaration was adopted by the General Assembly with a vote of 48 in favor, including the USA. This shows the initial support of the U.S. for these fundamental human rights principles, yet its subsequent actions seem to contradict this stance in many cases.

Noam Chomsky is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the fields of politics and world affairs.

There is not a single man alive today who can offer a more comprehensive and in-depth perspective on these complex issues than he can.

However, there is a downside to delving into Chomsky's work. He presents a hard and often depressing reality.

When we enter the realm of world affairs, we are confronted with the harsh truth that things are not always as they seem.

Reading his books frequently reminds me of a profound quote from Schopenhauer: "Life is deeply steeped in suffering."

Chomsky's analysis forces us to face the uncomfortable facts and challenges our preconceived notions.

It makes us realize that the world is a complex and often unjust place.

Despite the discomfort, his work is essential for those who seek a deeper understanding of the world around us.

It encourages us to question, to think critically, and to take action to bring about positive change.

Like its later quasi-sequel, Failed States The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy, this work attempts to turn the US's preferred definition of the eponymous geopolitical slur against the US's own conduct.

It is generally a successful endeavor. However, perhaps it is less lively than William Blum's similarly titled Rogue State A Guide to the World's Only Superpower.

Moreover, it is redundant with the good professor's other writings on the same subject.

A rule of thumb is that one should read every fourth Chomsky book to keep up with him, with several exceptions for the important texts. For example, Manufacturing Consent or Deterring Democracy.

These important works offer in-depth analyses and valuable insights into various aspects of politics, power, and democracy, and are essential for understanding Chomsky's perspectives and contributions to the field.

Pretty good.

Although I would say it (in large part) recapitulates a lot of material from his other books. I guess I'm starting to discover a "tree" of material in Chomsky's work.

The roots tend to lie in his Z Magazine articles and public speeches. These are then adapted with (importantly) references for many of these books.

I'm sort of hoping to read more of the root material from here on out. Since it does get a bit tedious identifying and skipping over the passages that draw directly from prior material that I've already read.

For example, it seems like "A New Generation Draws The Line" is cited a lot in this and other books. So perhaps that's a good next choice.

Maybe by going back to the original sources, I can gain a more in-depth understanding of Chomsky's ideas and see how they have evolved over time.

It could also help me to better appreciate the connections between different works and the overall framework of his thinking.

However, I also understand that reading the original material might not be as straightforward as reading the books that synthesize and expand on it.

Nonetheless, I'm willing to take on this challenge and explore the roots of Chomsky's work.

An essential book for everyone to read!!

In this vast world of literature, there are countless books, but there is one that stands out as an absolute must-read for every individual.

This book has the power to inspire, educate, and transform. It delves into the deepest aspects of the human condition, exploring themes such as love, loss, courage, and growth.

The author's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions draw the reader in, making them feel as if they are a part of the story.

Whether you are a young adult just starting to explore the world or an older person looking for new perspectives, this book has something for everyone.

It challenges us to think differently, to question our beliefs, and to strive for a better understanding of ourselves and those around us.

So, don't miss out on this essential read. Pick up the book today and embark on a journey that will change your life forever.