Rogue States: The Rule of Force in World Affairs [Paperback]

Chomsky demonstrates points he tries to convey by breaking down and analyzing past events between the U.S. Federal- and other governments, the effects of their actions on a variety of things, and how these events fit Chomsky's description of why the U.S. chooses the policies it does. His perspectives are thought-provoking.

At some points in the book the literature tends to lose its smooth transitions from one point to the next by jumping from one event to an entirely different event. For instance, some pages will make mention of U.S. policies and effects among the former Soviet bloc states, relationships with Israel, and cause and effects in Latin America all on the same page. Though they are all related, it makes for difficult reading at times, especially for the laity.

Chomsky does a fine job of referencing his work at the end of the book allowing the reader to research further if s/he so chooses. Though some small parts of the book seem to border Area-51-type conspiracy, Chomsky does an excellent job of backing up his educated perspective. Convincing, thought-provoking, intelligent, and a bit frightening. A great book!

Chomsky is a guy who stands up and points out that despite the hocus-pocus the performance really is an illusion, a trick. Tigers don't actually vanish into thin air, and neither do the crimes of empire no matter how slickly they're retailed to an all-too-credulous public. For daring to to blow the cover, he's hustled out of the building and denied a mainstream forum. He becomes a non-person, left to spread the word among academics, book readers, and other marginalized types. Meanwhile, in the seat of our imperium, the stage act goes on and on and on.

Rogue States is no unmixed triumph of the Chomsky cannon. The focus sometimes slips, and there's a tendency for the chapters to sprawl in no particular order. It lacks the concentrated force of a carefully developed format. Yet the sheer weight of facts that Chomsky compiles demonstrates the thesis in spades, ie. that among world states, the U.S. remains the chief rogue in its routine flouting of international statutes. The record is clear even when pronouncements from Washington apologists are not, while the lesson remains invaluable for those who seek to go beyond the stage act. The fact that most of these violations go unreported attests to how ably the illusion is assisted by accomplices in the media. Perhaps the most interesting development, however, is one that the year 2000 copyright prevented Chomsky from noting. Bush & Co., the new imperial managers, have grown tired of smoke and mirrors. No need for illusions when you've got the muscle to act with impunity, as in the transparently illegal invasion of Iraq or the aggressive militarization of space. Under their aegis, the empire has evolved into a new stage in arrogance. No need now for any more poof; naked defiance of international norms reigns Still and all, the question arises: how long will an audience, even a long-time one, stick around for an act that loses the magic. Despite the new brazeness, Chomsky's unearthings remain as indispensible as ever.