Customer Reviews

The Emerging Framework of World Power

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Unlike a previous reviewer, I have listened to and understood Chomsky's analysis of the exercise of power by the American global empire. Unfortunately, the distinction between the American Republic (forged by and for the working people of the United States) and the American Corporate Empire (forged by and for political and corporate elites, who fear the workings of the Republic) is an important distinction lost on many. Chomsky speaks as a proud believer in the dream and promise of the Republic, and is a devastatingly logical analyst, exposing the ruthless exploitation of the Republic by hypocritical representatives of the Empire. As for our freedoms -- These are not a "gift" given us by any government, as some might have us believe. We were born free -- and a government, especially one not elected but selected by elites -- can only take our freedoms away.

As a previous reviewer noted, this is nothing exceptionally new from Chomsky, but it's a good collection of thoughts and ideas he's been trying to get across, wrapped up to comment on the title subject, especially as it relates to post-9/11 US foreign policy and the (then) coming war in Iraq.

I wouldn't recommend this as an introduction to Chomsky's work or his ideas. Rather, it accents much of what he has written and spoken about concerning American power and foreign policy and influence, especially after 9/11.

What really hit me recently when I listened to this again is the very, very bone-dry humor that runs through it. Chomsky talks about Iraq, the massive hypocrisy of demonizing a tyrant we whole-heartedly supported in order to justify a legally suspect war, with such a straight forward attention to the facts that what became clear is that a sick and sickly funny comedy is being played out on the world stage. Only it's not supposed to be funny.

It's highlighted that the hypocrisy and cynicism of American foreign policy is not limited to Bush, but goes right back through every administration, and Bill Clinton is painted as having an immensely cynical foreign policy. It's not controversial that the US has worked to actually undermine democracy in certain parts of the world by supporting oppression (Israel, Turkey, Colombia) once easily verifiable facts are examined.

As if the facts further highlight the absurdity of the world, the word 'atrocities' appears over and over, and by this time it's no accident. To get the point across that the war on terror is being fought by the most righteous good guys, it is plainly pointed out that the US backed major atrocities in places like Colombia, Indonesia, and Turkey in the last decade, all in the name of spreading democracy. While selectively demonizing a Milosevic, for instance, an Israel or an Indonesia gets plenty of guns and ammo to carry out their own state violence and terror. Since Vietnam was about the last war the US could get away with atrocities, we've had to find indirect ways to swing our power. Chomsky doesn't chuckle--there is no need to at this point.

Even if you vehemently disagree with Noam Chomsky, a disc like this is indescribably more useful and informative than hours of television and cable news or the latest pundit's 'book'. And Chomsky's message is that it's up to you. We live in a very free society where information is widely available and facts are verifiable. It's our choice if we want to continue to selectively choose what to believe rather than taking a closer look at the power structure.

The disc concludes with a pretty good Q&A session between Chomsky and audience members and covers topics such as Cuba and China. The picture that does emerge is indeed one of immense power. The funding of mercenary states, the support of state terror, the unrivaled business of dealing weapons to the world, all go toward asserting that the US does not have to directly put a gun to anyone's head anymore when it can influence the world in more indirect and 'democratic' ways. We have to always maintain credibility, but we can set the stage through influence and global hegemony. The pen is indeed mightier than the sword.

This album is a lukewarm remix at best, with all the interest in Chomsky's point of view post 9-11 the concepts and ideas presented here have become repetitious.
If you own " American Addiction" and "New War an Terror" you really have covered everything discussed here.
I can't totally dismiss "Emerging Framework" though; the always-brilliant Chomsky Q&A at the end of the disc is well worth the price of admission.