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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 58 votes)
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58 reviews
July 15,2025
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There are times when being an American is truly infuriating.

It is sickening to witness how low my nation will descend, how rapidly we will cast aside those beliefs and values that we ostensibly cherish the most in order to preserve our hegemonic power or to enable someone to make a quick profit.

One might assume that, being an American and an Atheist/Communist/Collectivist, I would have become accustomed to this disappointment by now... but that assumption would be incorrect. Every day presents yet another opportunity for disappointment.

If you desire to read about how the United States of America undermines the United Nations and the ideals that both agencies share on a daily basis, then this is the book for you. If you wish to shatter your illusions that liberals are the "good guys," then this is the book for you. And if you simply want to read a book by the incomparable Noam Chomsky, then this is most definitely the book for you.

Chomsky's work offers a scathing critique of the actions and policies of the United States, revealing the true nature of its behavior on the global stage.

It challenges our preconceived notions and forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth about our nation.

Whether you agree or disagree with his views, there is no denying the power and impact of his words.

This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in understanding the complex and often disturbing world we live in.
July 15,2025
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Just as the Reformation was a business decision for Northern Europe to cut financial obligations to Rome, so too was the American Revolutionary War. New York State alone gained nearly $4 million by seizing loyalist property, a significant sum back then. We "won" the Vietnam War because, after the destruction, Vietnam was no longer a threat. The Tokyo fire bombings, rarely mentioned, caused the greatest loss of human life in a six-hour period in history.

Centrists and right-wingers criticize Cuba's human rights violations, yet they ignore the fact that the worst violations occur in Guantanamo, stolen by the U.S. over a century ago. The U.S. invasion of Cuba aimed to prevent its independence. Puerto Rico was also stolen that year, and the Philippines was a "bonus." Mark Twain's political writings on the Philippines were suppressed for 90 years.
In 1962, JFK's administration shifted the role of Latin America's military from "hemispheric defense" to "domestic security," leading to a "culture of terror" that undermines the aspirations of the majority. Castro's threat was the idea of people taking matters into their own hands.
The entire Cold War was a "public pretext." The Schlesinger report revealed that the Russian threat was its offer of "aid and development loans." The U.S. undermines democracy everywhere, as seen in Guatemala in 1954. The post-Cold War period began with the invasion of Panama.
President Johnson escalated JFK's illegal invasion of South Vietnam. The Vietnam War ended due to cost. The U.S. invented the madman persona. We act globally as we wish but are shocked when others do the same. Our exports, like cigarettes and arms, cause death.
The Right wants small government to undermine social safety nets and increase worker insecurity. Western violence has a long history, as seen in the First Crusades. The U.S. owes money to the UN and ILO. White collar crime is much higher than street crime. Russia admitted the illegality of its Afghanistan invasion; the U.S. has never done so for its invasions.
Noam Chomsky's question is what truth would be without doctrinal filters. The business press admits that high-tech industry needs government subsidies. The decision to have a military economy after the War was to undercut the democratizing effect and benefit private power. We live in the only country that vetoed a Security Council resolution calling on all states to obey international law. The Kellogg-Briand Pact outlawed war. Noam defines "stability" as favorable for foreign investors, not the population. Another great book by Noam Chomsky.
July 15,2025
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I had read about failed states before.

I think the addition in it is that it talked a little about the economy and human rights (its meaning for America).

Failed states are those that have significant challenges in maintaining basic governance functions.

The economy of a failed state is often in a state of chaos, with high unemployment, inflation, and a lack of infrastructure.

Human rights in such states may also be severely violated, with issues such as political oppression, discrimination, and violence.

For America, understanding failed states is important for several reasons.

It helps in formulating foreign policies to address the root causes of failure and promote stability.

It also highlights the importance of protecting human rights and promoting economic development globally.

By studying failed states, America can learn from their mistakes and work towards building a more just and prosperous world.
July 15,2025
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Wow, it's quite clear that Noam is really not a fan of Bill Clinton at all.

I came across this book in a small local bookstore in Philadelphia. It had a certain vibe that you would expect from a place that might be super pro-Chomsky. The book is just average, and some of my disagreements with it are undoubtedly due to the fact that it was published more than 20 years ago. I'm glad I read it, but I feel like it's written for a specific type of politically-cynical and "intellectually skeptical" individuals. You know the kind - those who just want to blame the United States for everything.

Also, I'm wondering why there is so much hate for General George Marshall. He may very well be the greatest American who ever lived. His contributions to the country and the world are truly remarkable. It seems unfair to single him out for criticism without a more in-depth understanding of his actions and their context.

Overall, this book has given me some food for thought, but I still have my own opinions and perspectives on these matters.
July 15,2025
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Chomsky, I have to say that sometimes you can be a bit of a rambler for my taste!

All you seem to do is depict tragedies without offering any real solutions. It's understandable that we are facing many difficulties and challenges in the world today, but it's important to remember that life is not over yet.

There is still hope and there are still things that we can do to make a difference. We need to look beyond the problems and focus on finding solutions. We need to come together as a global community and work towards a better future for all.

So, while I may not always agree with everything that Chomsky has to say, I do respect his views and his passion for social justice. I just hope that he can start to offer more practical solutions to the problems that he so eloquently describes.
July 15,2025
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Tshomsky presents a classification of the marked countries regarding the great powers in the world.

The terms of dictatorship, terrorism, and crime do not interfere much in this classification.

Only interests, exploitation, and lobbies are what determine whether a country is marked or an ally.

Tshomsky criticizes American policy in wars, creating crises, and distributing accusations.

And he writes about visible events and facts clearly over the years.

But the reality is still ruled by unjust power, far from the slogans of principles, humanity, and international laws.

Tshomsky's analysis provides a different perspective on the international order and challenges the dominant narrative. It forces us to question the true motives and actions of the great powers and consider the impact on the rest of the world.

His work also highlights the importance of upholding principles and international laws to ensure a more just and peaceful world.

Overall, Tshomsky's classification and criticism offer valuable insights into the complex and often unjust nature of international relations.
July 15,2025
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This book is truly remarkable. It stands out as being more precise than his other books that I have read.

The level of detail and accuracy is astonishing. It delves deep into the subject matter, providing a comprehensive and in-depth analysis.

In fact, it can be comparable to "A People's History." Just like that renowned work, this book offers a fresh perspective and challenges the traditional narrative.

It presents a more nuanced understanding of the events and their significance. The author's research is evident throughout, and it makes for a captivating and enlightening read.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply looking for a thought-provoking book, this one is definitely worth your time.
July 15,2025
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Review from the March 2001 issue of the Socialist Standard:

The article under review offers some interesting perspectives. It likely delved into various topics relevant to the socialist ideology during that time.

Perhaps it discussed the state of the economy, social inequalities, or the actions of certain political entities.

It may have analyzed how these factors were impacting society and what the socialist solution might be.

By providing this review, the Socialist Standard aimed to inform its readers about the content and significance of the original article.

This could have sparked discussions and further思考 among its readership, potentially leading to a greater understanding of the socialist viewpoint.

The link provided, https://socialiststandardmyspace.blog..., might offer additional resources or a more in-depth exploration of the ideas presented in the review.

Overall, the review serves as a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue within the socialist community and beyond.
July 15,2025
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Insightful and recommended.

If you're new to Chomsky, this book offers a great opportunity to learn a lot. However, it should be noted that the reading experience can be somewhat fragmented.

It may not be considered one of his greatest works, but nevertheless, it is a valuable and interesting book.

The ideas presented within its pages are thought-provoking and can expand your understanding of various topics.

Whether you're interested in linguistics, politics, or social issues, there is something to be gained from reading this book.

It provides a unique perspective and challenges the reader to think critically about the world around them.

Overall, while it may not be without its flaws, it is still a worthwhile addition to any bookshelf.
July 15,2025
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I have a great affection for the way that no matter what topic he chooses to write about, by the conclusion of the book, he will actually be chattering on about capitalism. It's truly very ✨me✨ coded.

It's almost as if capitalism is the underlying current that flows through all of his works. Whether he starts with a seemingly unrelated subject, somehow, he manages to bring it back to the concept of capitalism.

This unique approach makes his writing both interesting and thought-provoking. It forces the reader to look at different topics from a new perspective, through the lens of capitalism.

I find myself constantly engaged and intrigued by his ability to make these connections and present his ideas in such a captivating way. It's one of the many reasons why I love his writing so much.

July 15,2025
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I have translated this book from English into Urdu for Jumhoori Publications, Lahore, Pakistan.

The process of translation was both challenging and rewarding. It required a deep understanding of both languages and cultures to accurately convey the meaning and essence of the original text.

The title of the Urdu translation, Sarkash Riasatein سَرکَش ریاستیں, holds a significant meaning. It implies something that is sarcastic or satirical about the states or countries.

I hope that this translation will reach a wide audience in Pakistan and beyond, and will contribute to a better understanding and appreciation of the subject matter.

Jumhoori Publications has been a great partner in this endeavor, and I am grateful for their support and encouragement.

Overall, it has been a fulfilling experience to work on this translation project, and I look forward to future opportunities to share knowledge and ideas through translation.
July 15,2025
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Frankly speaking,

I think I lost a lot of points because I didn't understand them well.

But I believe I grasped the main idea of the author and his talk about the corporate state that controls the world for its own interests.

Maybe we will understand more about these things in the future.
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