Books Like...
'Failed States: The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy' by Noam Chomsky is a scathing critique of U.S. foreign and domestic policies, exposing the hypocrisy and danger of American actions both at home and abroad. Chomsky argues that the United States, often seen as a global superpower, actually fits the profile of a failed state, failing to protect its citizens from violence, disregarding international law, and lacking genuine democratic institutions. Through meticulous documentation and compelling arguments, Chomsky dismantles America's claim to being a promoter of democracy while highlighting the reckless and potentially disastrous consequences of its policies.
Chomsky's writing style in 'Failed States' is described as forceful, lucid, and urgent, offering a comprehensive analysis of the U.S. government's lawless military aggression, disregard for international norms, and self-exemption from accountability. The book covers a range of topics, from the escalation of nuclear risk to the consequences of the Iraq occupation, all while critiquing the American electoral system and the influence of corporate interests. Chomsky's uncompromising moral sensibility, icy logic, and withering sarcasm shine through in this polemic, making it required reading for every thoughtful citizen seeking a critical examination of American power dynamics.
If you liked Failed States: The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy, here are the top 12 books to read next:
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Save:'Power Systems: Conversations on Global Democratic Uprisings and the New Challenges to U.S. Empire' by Noam Chomsky delves into the history of American Imperialism, covert actions that led to the Vietnam War, and the impact of military industrial complex on global affairs. Chomsky's writing style is described as thought-provoking, illuminating hidden historical events, and shedding light on the hegemonic powers' manipulation for their interests. is structured as a collection of interviews, covering a wide range of topics such as foreign intervention, educational system critique, and global uprisings.
One of the themes that Howard Zinn tried to address during his long career was the lack of historical memory. The facts of history are scrupulously ignored and/or distorted. I was wondering if you cou... 'Hegemony or Survival: America's Quest for Global Dominance' by Noam Chomsky delves into the United States' pursuit of global dominance through an imperial strategy spanning over half a century. Chomsky investigates the perilous consequences of this quest and questions the willingness of the rulers to jeopardize the future of humanity. The book covers topics such as American foreign policy, imperialism, political impact of globalization, and the potential outcomes of emerging geopolitical patterns. Despite being published in 2003, the book offers a wealth of thought-provoking ideas that challenge readers to consider the current global situation critically.
Chomsky's writing style in 'Hegemony or Survival' is described as dense and academic, with long parenthetical phrases and complex vocabulary that may hinder casual reading for a broader understanding of the content. While some readers appreciate the depth and insight provided by Chomsky, others find the writing style off-putting and overly critical of U.S. foreign policy. The book tackles issues such as full spectrum dominance, American interventions in various regions, and the potential threat posed by right-wing elite power, presenting a sweeping political indictment of the United States.
A few years ago, one of the great figures of contemporary biology, Ernst Mayr, published some reflections on the likelihood of success in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. He considered th...'Latin America: From Colonization to Globalization' by Heinz Dieterich and Noam Chomsky delves into the true nature of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, focusing on countries like Nicaragua, El Salvador, The Dominican Republic, and various other countries. It provides a vivid understanding of the historical events and political dynamics in the region, shedding light on the impacts of U.S. interventions on Latin American governments and societies. Through a collection of Chomsky's interviews and analyses, the book explores themes of imperialism, corporate greed, and the struggle for democracy in Latin America, offering a critical perspective on the complex relationship between the U.S. and Latin American countries.
The writing style of the book is characterized by Chomsky's bold and unapologetic approach to addressing political issues, as he fearlessly takes a stance against U.S. foreign policies in Latin America. The narrative is informative and eye-opening, providing readers with a deeper insight into the historical context and socio-political challenges faced by Latin American nations, while emphasizing the importance of holding politicians accountable for their actions.
Understanding Power by Noam Chomsky is a compilation of his talks and interviews on various topics such as foreign policy, imperialism, social services, and political activism. The book is presented in a question and answer format, allowing readers to choose the topics they want to delve into. Chomsky reinterprets events of the past three decades, connecting America's foreign policy with the decline of domestic social services and offering insights into steps towards social change.
WOMAN: Noam, I think the reason we’ve all come out here to spend the weekend talking with you is to get some of your perspectives on the state of the world, and what we can do to change it. I’m wonder...Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA by Tim Weiner is a detailed and compelling history of the Central Intelligence Agency, spanning from its inception as the reincarnation of the OSS to the modern era. The book delves into the failures, successes, and controversies surrounding the CIA, shedding light on its covert operations, political interference, and internal struggles. Through meticulous research and objective storytelling, the author presents a comprehensive overview of the agency's evolution, from its role in global power politics to its impact on world events.
“In a global and totalitarian war,” General Donovan believed, “intelligence must be global and totalitarian.” On November 18, 1944, he had written to President Roosevelt proposing that the United Stat...- #6
Save:"Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" by John Perkins is a memoir that delves into the author's experiences as an economic consultant working for the U.S. government. Perkins describes how he, along with others like him, manipulated developing countries into taking on large loans that they could not repay, leading to economic subjugation and exploitation by international corporations. The book sheds light on the inner workings of high-stakes economic games that benefit major corporations at the expense of third-world economies, ultimately revealing the dark side of U.S. foreign policy and industrial influence.
I was an only child, born into the middle class in 1945. Both my parents came from three centuries of New England Yankee stock; their strict, moralistic, staunchly Republican attitudes reflected gener... 'Killing Hope: U.S. Military and C.I.A. Interventions Since World War II' by William Blum is a detailed and heart-wrenching history of the USA's involvement in torture and murder in dozens of different countries in the last 60 years. The book meticulously documents American interventions throughout the world, including well-known events like Korea and Vietnam, as well as lesser-known interventions. Blum's writing style presents a harrowing picture of deceit, denial, and amoral manipulation to secure the industrial military political equilibrium, working chronologically through the last 60 years of political history.
Blum's 'Killing Hope' is described as a devastating attack on America's actual foreign policies, as opposed to the propaganda fed to the public. The book provides a damning view of US CIA policy since WWII, offering highly opinionated hot takes on US actions abroad, covering events from the '53 overthrow of Mossadegh to Dubya's invasion of Panama. The author's meticulous documentation, lack of indulgence in repetition, and use of mainstream sources like the NYT for citations make this book a detailed and shocking reference for understanding US foreign interventions post-WWII.
The two sides had been clashing across the Parallel for several years. What happened on that fateful day in June could thus be regarded as no more than the escalation of an ongoing civil war. The Nort...Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky delves into the intricate workings of mass media and its role in shaping public opinion. Through a critical analysis of the media landscape, the book exposes how information is manipulated and controlled to serve the interests of those in power. Drawing on examples from historical events and contemporary media practices, the authors present a compelling argument about the influence of propaganda, advertising, and political agendas on the dissemination of news.
This book centers in what we call a “Propaganda model,” an analytical framework that attempts to explain the performance of the U.S. media in terms of the basic institutional structures and relationsh...Naomi Klein's 'The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism' is a compelling and eye-opening exploration of how global economics and geopolitics intersect to create environments of exploitation, ruthlessness, and cruelty. Klein argues that disasters, whether natural, political, or economic, are seized upon by global corporations to further their agenda, leading to the privatization of public services and the perpetuation of wealth inequality. Through a series of well-researched examples, Klein reveals the insidious nature of disaster capitalism and its impact on societies around the world. The book is a thought-provoking examination of the modern capitalist state and the influence of multinational corporations on government functions.
Klein's writing style is described as daring, passionate, and journalistic. She presents a collection of facts in a compelling and informative manner, drawing readers in with her thought-provoking analysis of historical events and economic ideologies. The book challenges readers to rethink their understanding of global capitalism and the forces at play in shaping modern society, offering a critical perspective on the intersection of politics, economics, and power dynamics.
I went to the slaughterhouse to observe this so-called "electric slaughtering," and I saw that the hogs were clamped at the temples with big metallic tongs which were hooked up to an electric current ...- #10
Save:Vincent Bevins' book, 'The Jakarta Method', delves into the dark history of Washington's anticommunist crusade and the mass murder program that had a profound impact on the world. Through extensive research and compelling storytelling, Bevins uncovers the brutal realities of imperialism, CIA interventions, and the violent suppression of socialist movements in various third world countries. The book sheds light on the ruthless tactics employed by the U.S. government to further its interests, the devastating consequences of these actions on local populations, and the lasting effects that still resonate today.
THE UNITED STATES, A WESTERN European settler colony in North America, emerged from World War II as by far the most powerful state on Earth. This was a surprise to most Americans, and to most of the w...
