Class Warfare: Interviews with David Barsamian [Library Binding]

Noam Chomsky (Author), David Barsamian (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2002 | ISBN-10: 1567510930 | ISBN-13: 978-1567510935

Western societies are divided more clearly than ever before into the haves and the have-nots, the needy and the greedy. In addition, neoliberal doctrines have been reshaped into more effective instruments of oppression and domination. Through a fascinating dialogue with long-time collaborator and fellow activist David Barsamian, Noam Chomsky explores this growing economic and social crisis, arguing that it is now acceptable political discourse to discuss class warfare. Chomsky focuses his customarily critical eye on a range of themes and issues -- from Israel to East Timor, from the US federal reserve to women's rights, from transport subsidies to the dangers of devolution -- and touches on some of his more personal concerns, such as his teaching, his critics and local labour disputes. Class Warfare is challenging, thought-provoking, illuminating and profound, and a powerful road-map to the emerging global capitalism.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The prolific linguist and political pundit has two new books out this season. In May, Common Courage will bring out Class Warfare, the third in a series of interviews between Chomsky and David Barsamian, director of Alternative Radio. At a time when downsizing, the demise of unions and other factors are leading to an increased income gap between rich and poor, Chomsky analyzes some of the reasons and offers solutions. ($15 ISBN 1-56751-092-2; cloth $29.95 -093-0). Then in June, South End will release a more wide-ranging collection of essays on language, human nature and foreign policy with Power and Prospects: Reflections on Human Nature and the Social Order ($16 ISBN 0-89608-535-X; cloth
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

'Over the course of some thirty years of dissent, his tireless effort has undoubtedly made a major personal contribution in exposing capitalist hypocrisy. ... To read any book of conversations with Chomsky is to connect with a great and humane mind ... We cannot help but be infected by Chomsky's energy and alertness. The point is that to read someone this awake is to become a little more awake ourselves' Resurgence'Class Warfare ... is [a] very readable introduction to the work, philosophy andpersonality of Chomsky.' Neil Forde, An Phoblacht/Republican News --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Library Binding: 185 pages
• Publisher: Common Courage Press (July 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1567510930
• ISBN-13: 978-1567510935
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,311,624 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Play it again, Sam, September 8, 2000

By 

Douglas Doepke (Claremont, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Class Warfare: Interviews with David Barsamian (Paperback)

Barsamian has apparently figured out a way to benefit both himself and Chomsky by publishing interviews with the ever wide-ranging scourge of American foreign policy. For long-time readers, not much new should be expected from a casual book like this; nor is there. If any sub-theme surfaces, it is Chomsky's deepening opposition to corporate America. The book is aptly titled. In fact it would be difficult to find denunciations of big business more unequivocal or forceful anywhere, even in Marxist literature.

There is one interesting development that emerges in *Class Warfare*. Chomsky seems to be appreciating at last that some kind of woolly anarchistic sentiments are powerless against the concentrated power of international capital. In this book, he appears to take a liberal turn, looking to big government as a necessary counterweight. At the same time, however, he acknowledges that politicians and their cronies are under heavy corporate sway. Is there logical room for manuever here? Perhaps, that is, if government can be wrested away from the death grip of big business,i.e. the Ralph Nader solution. If I'm correct in the framing, the MIT professor is at a pivotal point in his political evolution. On one hand, he's all too aware of the magnitude of the international problem, on the other, he's reluctant to endorse any kind of authoritarian response that would clash with his deep regard for non-authoritarian structures. To perhaps oversimplify, which then does he value more: relief for the economically oppressed or decentralized decision procedures. As the struggle for global supremacy develops, the two may not be at all compatible. I think he has shown in his many books what US-corporate foreign policy has wrought. Now is a good time for this most humane of thinkers to tackle the pressing analytical questions of our time.

Any work that includes Noam Chomsky's research is worth buying. No other series so unflinchingly opens the eyes to the crushing realities of America's actions abroad.

8 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Never been a better way to truly get to know Chomsky, January 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Class Warfare: Interviews with David Barsamian (Paperback)

Class Warfare is a collection of David Barsamian's interviews with Noam Chomsky, Professor of Linguistics, Linguistic Theory, Syntax, Semantics, and Philosophy of Language. This is a great book for the those unfamiliar with Chomsky; the easy to follow interview format places the reader face to face with Chomsky, all while covering a wide range of his philosophies. I am relatively new to the world of political science, and was truly shocked upon reading many of the things Chomsky had to say; it is this shock-value that I think causes many people to, as Barsamian would say, "stand in awe of his prolific output." While Chomsky is good at getting people aware of the rotten truth behind how the world actually works, it is still up to the reader to apply this information. In the introduction, Barsamian urges readers "to implement his simple formula for learning about the world and social change." Whether or not the reader chooses to engage in some sort of political action is unpredictable; but at least the reader will still be inspired to consider it. This book has taught me many invaluable lessons about politics, which eventually become lessons of human nature. It has also motivated me to start looking at some of Chomsky's other books, and also some books maybe he would disagree with. Basic, inspiring, effective, and at the same time an interesting read, Class Warfare is a great little book, well-worth the seemingly high price of fifteen dollars.

4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is great, February 19, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Class Warfare: Interviews with David Barsamian (Paperback)

Class Warfare is Chomsky at his finest. Barsamian asks pointed questions about classic issues such as race, the economy, U.S. foreign policy, etc. A class act