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Failed States: The Abuse of Power and the…
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Failed States: The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy (original 2006; edition 2007)

by Noam Chomsky

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1,6381210,669 (3.9)16
The United States has repeatedly asserted its right to intervene militarily against "failed states" around the globe. Chomsky turns the tables, charging the United States with being a "failed state," and therefore a danger to its own people and the world. "Failed states," Chomsky writes, are those "that do not protect their citizens from violence and perhaps even destruction, that regard themselves as beyond the reach of domestic or international law, and that suffer from a 'democratic deficit, ' having democratic forms but with limited substance." Exploring recent U.S. foreign and domestic policies, Chomsky assesses Washington's escalation of nuclear risks; the dangerous consequences of the occupation of Iraq; and Americas's self-exemption from international law. He also examines an American electoral system that frustrates genuine political alternatives, thus impeding any meaningful democracy.--From publisher description.… (more)
Member:paulirv
Title:Failed States: The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy
Authors:Noam Chomsky
Info:Holt Paperbacks (2007), Edition: 1, Paperback, 320 pages
Collections:Your library
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Failed States by Noam Chomsky (2006)

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Showing 1-5 of 11 (next | show all)
An eye opener. A bit heavy but it gets you thinking where are we, OZ, heading. ( )
  SteveMcI | Dec 25, 2023 |
Chomsky readers probably would expect to hear examples of how our Country's International and internal policies are not always perfect. So there would be no surprise to read that there's been a movement under current leadership to act more and more independently without regard to international concensus or support. Whether it's regime change in Iraq, rejection of the Kyoto Protocols, redefining torture definitions of the Geneva Convention, unilateral and unfailing support of Israel's actions in the U.N., support for some despotic regimes, etc., there are good reasons to question or debate many of those decisions. And nobody can point these things out like Chomsky. But I found it hard to stay focused throughout the book. It reminded me of being scolded as a youngster for some inappropriate action I had done. I can accept that I was wrong. And I can accept the scolding, up to a point. But after ten or fifteen minutes of scolding, I would tend to zone out, and the continuing listing of all my flaws starts to lose its affect. I looked at this book in a similar way. After a while, with so many flawed policies being identified, even if 100% right, I needed a break. I needed to hear something, anything, which had a positive spin, if just to give me a sense of balance and keep me focused. And thus, I didn't find the book as effective as it could have been. ( )
  rsutto22 | Jul 15, 2021 |
The world’s foremost critic of U.S. foreign policy exposes the hollow promises of democracy in American actions abroad—and at home

The United States has repeatedly asserted its right to intervene against “failed states” around the globe. In this much anticipated sequel to his international bestseller Hegemony or Survival, Noam Chomsky turns the tables, charging the United States with being a “failed state,” and thus a danger to its own people and the world.

“Failed states” Chomsky writes, are those “that do not protect their citizens from violence and perhaps even destruction, that regard themselves as beyond the reach of domestic or international law, and that suffer from a ‘democratic deficit,’ having democratic forms but with limited substance.” Exploring recent U.S. foreign and domestic policies, Chomsky assesses Washington’s escalation of the nuclear risk; the dangerous consequences of the occupation of Iraq; and America’s self-exemption from international law. He also examines an American electoral system that frustrates genuine political alternatives, thus impeding any meaningful democracy.

Forceful, lucid, and meticulously documented, Failed States offers a comprehensive analysis of a global superpower that has long claimed the right to reshape other nations while its own democratic institutions are in severe crisis, and its policies and practices have recklessly placed the world on the brink of disaster. Systematically dismantling America’s claim to being the world’s arbiter of democracy, Failed States is Chomsky’s most focused—and urgent—critique to date.
  Centre_A | Nov 27, 2020 |
This book will give you a whole new perspective on the terms Rogue State and Axis of Evil. While the US of A is the main protagonist, tagging along is it's ever obedient dog and toilet bowl, the UK.

A lesson to be learnt when you elect a retarded neanderthal to two terms. He and his coterie comprising mostly of satan's offspring.
  danoomistmatiste | Jan 24, 2016 |
This book will give you a whole new perspective on the terms Rogue State and Axis of Evil. While the US of A is the main protagonist, tagging along is it's ever obedient dog and toilet bowl, the UK.

A lesson to be learnt when you elect a retarded neanderthal to two terms. He and his coterie comprising mostly of satan's offspring.
  kkhambadkone | Jan 17, 2016 |
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The United States has repeatedly asserted its right to intervene militarily against "failed states" around the globe. Chomsky turns the tables, charging the United States with being a "failed state," and therefore a danger to its own people and the world. "Failed states," Chomsky writes, are those "that do not protect their citizens from violence and perhaps even destruction, that regard themselves as beyond the reach of domestic or international law, and that suffer from a 'democratic deficit, ' having democratic forms but with limited substance." Exploring recent U.S. foreign and domestic policies, Chomsky assesses Washington's escalation of nuclear risks; the dangerous consequences of the occupation of Iraq; and Americas's self-exemption from international law. He also examines an American electoral system that frustrates genuine political alternatives, thus impeding any meaningful democracy.--From publisher description.

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