Devastating Society: The Neo-Conservative Assault on Democracy and Just [Paperback]

Bernd Hamm (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 14, 2005

The contributors to this book include some of the leading dissenting writers and thinkers of our time, including Noam Chomsky, William Blum, Andre Gunder Frank and Michel Chossudovsky. United in their opposition to the neo-conservatism underpinning America's current political strategies, the contributors offer a grounded critique of the real impact that these policies make, at home and abroad. Starting with a close analysis of the Bush administration and the neo-conservative hold on power in Washington, they move on to a broader historical analysis. They set today's topical issues in the context of what they see as a gradual shift towards the right in American politics, and the creeping corporatisation of American society. The contributors show that September 11 was used by the Bush administration to clamp down on civil liberties at home and to step up an aggressive line in foreign policy. The impact on American society, and societies elsewhere, has been deeply damaging. Ranging over this and other topics including the US economy, corporate crime and anti-environmentalism, this book is ideal for anyone who wants a critical introduction to current affairs issues, set within the broader context of America's history of foreign interventions and global capitalism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"'Every American ought to read these indictments of the G. W. Bush administration's self-righteous attacks on honesty, fairness, decency, and the rule of law.' Wendell Bell, Yale University;'A much-needed antidote both to simplistic anti-American rhetoric and to the view that current trends lead toward peaceful and sustainable futures. This book is vital reading for those tired of media evasions, who wish to think for themselves and to gain clarity regarding the current global economic and geopolitical order.' Richard Slaughter, Foresight International, President, World Futures Studies Federation"

'A much-needed antidote to simplistic anti-American rhetoric.' -- Richard Slaughter, Foresight International, President, World Futures Studies Federation

'An important and fascinating book.' -- Jean Ziegler, University of Geneva

'Every American ought to read these indictments of the Bush administration's attacks on honesty and the rule of law.' -- Wendell Bell, Yale University

About the Author

Bernd Hamm, born 1945 in Germany, is Professor of Sociology, Jean Monnet Professor of European Studies, and UNESCO Chair in Europe in a Global Perspective at the University of Trier, Germany. He is the co-editor of Sustainable Development and the Future of Cities (ITDG Publishing, 1999).

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Pluto Press (January 14, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0745323618
• ISBN-13: 978-0745323619
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,993,122 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very accessible book for everyone wishing a peaceful future (without wars fought for business reasons), October 27, 2006

By 

Said Huber (Schweiz) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Devastating Society: The Neo-Conservative Assault on Democracy and Just (Paperback)

Did you know that a large majority of all Europeans consider the U.S. government to be one of the most dangerous elements in global politics?

It would be a blessing if a majority of Americans read this brilliant collection of insightful essays on the real impact of the neo-conservatism underpinning America's current political strategies.

"Devastating Society: The Neo-Conservative Assault on Democracy and Justice" is a critical introduction to current affairs issues, set within the broader context of America's history of foreign interventions, global capitalism, U.S. economy and militarism. Written by leading dissenting writers and thinkers of our time, including Michel Chossudovsky, William Blum, Andre Gunder Frank, Bernd Hamm and Noam Chomsky, this book offers much food for thought for anyone concerned with the destructive bent of U.S. policy and its deeply damaging impact on American society, and societies elsewhere. After a close analysis of the Bush administration and the neo-conservative hold on power, the authors analyse the broader historical context, especially the gradual shift towards the right in American politics, the creeping corporatisation of American society, the turning point of 9/11 (leading to many outrageous conspiracy theories, like the official one), creation of a police state and permanent war OF terror, growing corporate crime and irresponsible anti-environmentalism.

Compelling reading - i most highly recommend this book to all true patriots and peace seekers!

Said Huber, attorney/Major of the Swiss Armed Forces

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bush and Cronies, September 18, 2006

By 

iggy fripp (La Vergne, TN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Devastating Society: The Neo-Conservative Assault on Democracy and Just (Paperback)

If you want to have a better understanding of what W and company are doing to this country, then this is the book for you. A collection of essays that deliver hard hitting strikes against our pres and his cronies. Topics include the covering up of the Bush family past, 9/11, the environment, and a host of other juicy topics. Buyer beware, your eyes will be opened to some of the most heinous acts of our time.