Product Description

Noam Chomsky argues that, contrary to popular perception, the real 'rogue' states in the world today are not the dictator-led developing countries we hear about in the news, but the United States and its allies. He challenges the legal and humanitarian reasons given to justify intervention in global conflicts in order to reveal the West's shameless reliance on the rule of force. He examines NATO's intervention in Kosovo, the crisis in East Timor, and US involvement in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Latin America. Chomsky relies on both historical context and recently released government documents to trace the paths of self-interest and domination that fuelled these violent regional conflicts. Throughout, he reveals the United States's increasingly open dismissal of the United Nations and international legal precedent in justifying its motives and actions. Characteristically incisive and provocative, Chomsky demonstrates that the rule of law has been reduced to farce.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #178537 in Books
• Published on: 2000-09-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 260 pages

Review
'The indefatigable Chomsky ... One might reasonably ask just how deserving of our anger are Gap or McDonald's compared with the violent depradations of a superpower that alone vetoed a Security Council resolution calling on all states to observe international law?... Chomksy's prose is not without a dry wit. For America to call itself the "global policeman", he writes, is an insult to policemen everywhere, "who are supposed to uphold the law, not tear it to pieces."' The Guardian 'In its wide range across the politics and economics of diverse countries, Rogue States makes an excellent introduction to Chomsky's thinking and an ideal Christmas present - treat yourself!' -Labour Left Briefing 'This latest helping from the prodigious pen of Noam Chomsky explores the hypocrisy in the application and meaning of the term so beloved of western political pundits, the 'rogue state'... This little book is classic Chomsky - authoritative, engaging and enlightening.' Socialist Review 'Chomsky doing what he does best... An invaluable tool for deciphering the rhetoric the powerful use to rationalise their excesses.' Socialist Standard 'The USA is a 'rogue state', because it fails to sign up to international treaties and conventions. Chomsky gives examples to support his allegation of double standards, arguing that the basic principle of global governance is "might is right". The book includes case studies from the Balkans, East Timor and Colombia.' -Oxfam Review of Journals 'This splendid collection of articles and talks is Chomsky at his best. Again and again he shows, often through the unguarded comments of its very own representatives, how the United States breaks the international laws it pays lip service to. In particular Chomsky exposes the hypocrisy of the 'rogue state' concept the US uses to justify intervention, and argues that the real rogue state is the US... This is a book from which opponents of imperialism and globalisation can only benefit.' Bookmarks Review of Books 'This is an excellent book for anyone wishing to learn more about the underbelly of imperialism today.' Socialist Appeal 'In Rogue States, Chomsky marshals a vast array of evidence to show convincingly that 'the rule of law has been reduced to a mere nuisance' to the United States and that it fully dserves the title of number one 'rogue state' ... Armed with Chomsky's rational analysis of the USA's recent historical record, we are emboldened to challenge, oppose and supplant the elite interests that are taking us down such a destructive course.' Red Pepper, Book of the Month 'If you believed that we entered the war in Kosovo to assist the democratic movement, Rogue States argues that there was a real chance that the bombing actually hindered democractic progress.' Resurgence

About the Author
Noam Chomsky is a world renowned linguist and one of America's foremost social critics. He is Institute Professor in the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is the author of numerous books, most recently, The New Military Humanism: Lessons from Kosovo.

Customer Reviews

Shockingly revealing
This book will change the way you look at the world! Being somebody brought up to believe in the good intentions of the West, I had to re-evaluate my view of life entirely. Everybody should be made to read Chomsky, and this book in particular, before saying anything on foreign affairs. Compelling, well-researched, and infinately enlightening, Chomsky expertly uses politicians rhetoric as the perfect weapon against them, highlighting just how two-faced even the most charming of our world leaders are. Brilliant!!!

Essential reading in today's political climate
In this critical analysis of the US's position as the world's sole superpower and policeman, Chomsky uses the track record of the US to lable it as a 'Rogue State'.

From the Balkans, to East Timor and from Columbia to Cuba, the foreign policy of the US leaves it with bloody hands. Chomsky introduces examples of 'rogue' behaviour such as the support of the US for Suharto's massacres, terrorism in Nicaragua together with their voting record in the UN.

As the US is labelling nations as 'rogue states' belonging to an 'Axis of Evil', Chomsky offers compelling evidence to show the hypocracy of this.

No one topic/state dominates this book, it is a superb overview of American foreign policy which should be in the collection of the biggest Chomsky fan or a newcomer to the great man's work.

Easy to read and brilliant.

Open the curtains and let in the light
In a world where mainstream media is so heavily biased towards western powers, Chomsky provides an essential service to anyone interested in reading the truth. Refusing to bow to the powers that be, Chomsky highlights several unpalatable truths about the role of the West in world affairs, and the corrupt, cynical, and often brutal methods employed by western powers to further their own causes.

In this book, Chomsky focuses largely on the role of the US in the Middle East, its stance on Nicaragua, and its support of the despicable Suharto in Indonesia. Not merely another hothead spouting unsubstansiated opinion, Chomsky backs up his words with references to UN reports and voting results, Red Cross reports, and also Amnesty International statements, to name but a few neutral sources.

It is very often chilling reading, but nonetheless if you want to understand what really goes on, and how little of it is really reported, this book is well worth a read. Just be prepared for a few unpleasant shocks.