Rulers and Ruled in the US Empire: Bankers, Zionists and Militants [Paperback]

James Petras (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 16, 2007

This book provides a comprehensive guide to the systemic dimensions of the US empire. Petras elaborates the changes within the US ruling class, as its manufacturing sector declines and gives way to the ascendancy of finance capital, illustrated by its dominance of both the US economy, and the parameters for political debate on the US role in the world economy (globalization, trade liberalization). He elaborates the contradictions in current immigration/trade liberalization policies, and how these work toward forcing the displacement of peoples, and furthering the underdevelopment of third world countries. He outlines how the world capitalist system is laced together in an intricate hierarchy where the US pulls most of the strings, even outside its ostensible area of dominance. The role of corruption in securing world markets is addressed, as are the reasons for the spectacular global growth in new billionaires. The role of the Zionist Lobby in America is examined as it relates to the catastrophic wars in Iraq and Lebanon, and the threat of a further attack on Iran. Petras sheds light on the actual status of contemporary resistance to US hegemony within China, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

James Petras is a Bartle Professor (Emeritus) of Sociology at Binghamton University, New York. He is the author of 63 books published in 29 languages, and over 560 articles in professional journals, including the American Sociological Review, British Journal of Sociology, Social Research, Journal of Contemporary Asia, and Journal of Peasant Studies. He has published over 2000 articles in nonprofessional journals such as the New York Times, the Guardian, the Nation, Christian Science Monitor, Foreign Policy, New Left Review, Partisan Review, Temps Moderne, Le Monde Diplomatique, and his commentary is widely carried on the internet. His publishers have included Random House, John Wiley, Westview, Routledge, Macmillan, Verso, Zed Books and Pluto Books. He is winner of the Life Time Career Award, Marxist Section, of the American Sociology Association, the Robert Kenny Award for Best Book, 2002, and the Best Dissertation, Western Political Science Association in 1968. Some recent titles include Unmasking Globalization: Imperialism of the Twenty-First Century (2001); co-author The Dynamics of Social Change in Latin America (2000), Unmasking Globalisation (2001), System in Crisis (2003), co-author Social Movements and State Power (2003), co-author Empire With Imperialism (2005), co-author) Multinationals on Trial (2006). His most recent title, The Power of Israel in the United States (Clarity Press, Inc. 2006), has been acquired for Japanese, German, Italian, Indonesian and Arabic editions.He received his MA and Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley.

Product Details

• Paperback: 262 pages
• Publisher: Clarity Press, Inc. (July 16, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 093286354X
• ISBN-13: 978-0932863546
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,032,584 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 68 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Academic Analysis and Thought Provoking June 13, 2008

By K. S. Lutz

Format:Paperback

This is the second book that I have read by James Petras- the first was 'The Power of Israel in the United States'. I enjoyed his first book as well as this one. He is quite an academic virtuoso providing a sociological, historical, organizational, and political perspective as to whom controls the world and its money, resources, and, of course, politicians. Mainly, he points the finger at MNC's (Multinational Corporations) that are quite effective at neutralizing any dissent, exploiting indigenous populations, and bribing politicians. He discusses somewhat the influence of Zionists in their quest to control the Middle East and the influence of money interests, i.e., hedge funds, equity firms, and investment banks, in capturing world industry and rsources. Moreover,Petras argues that China is simply a puppet of the Central Imperial Power- the United States given the amount of foreign investment in the country. I enjoyed this book very much - he is indeed thought provoking, challenging, and difficult read due to his complex and academic writing style. I think this book should be viewed as an academic reference- this is definitely not simple casual reading. The only few criticisms I had of the book was at times, he would have emotional outbursts against the Zionists and Capitalism in general- personally, I would refrain from this because I believe it leaves less room for credibility. Moreover, I do not agree with his idea that nationalizing industries is the way to go when it comes to foreign trade. Nevertheless, I recommend anybody read this book if your up for the challenge.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What the U.S. corporate media will never tell you. March 3, 2009

By Lee Foulkes

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

A must-read for anyone who wants to understand world economics, all the truth about what the U.S. media is not allowed to report on.

24 of 42 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing November 21, 2008

By Michael Tozer

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This title lingered for a long time on my Amazon.com "wish list". Somehow, with all of the reading I was doing, I couldn't find the time for this book. Perhaps I had some doubt as to its importance. If that was the case, the doubt was confirmed, having purchased and read this book. It was a very big disappointment.

Given the title of the book, I had looked forward to an exposition of the role of international banking and Zionism in the American Empire. And there was some of this contained between the covers of this work. But, mostly the book consisted of Marxist rhetoric, which is long on volume and sadly short on cogent reasoning.

The few sections of the book that actually dealt with Zionism and militarism were well done. But this was far less than half of the total contents. Most of the book had to do with a Marxist analysis of class struggle. And this is pretty much useless for those who honor sound reasoning.

In summary, we cannot highly recommend this book of Dr. Petras. Those sections on Zionism and militarism are worthwhile. But the bulk of the book is not. God bless.