Making the Future: The Unipolar Imperial Movement

Chomsky's (Understanding Power) latest collection of commentary focuses on a familiar theme: the perils of American hegemony abroad and the inexorable growth of the American corporate military industrial complex. While studying issues ranging from Iran's nuclear capabilities to the recent financial meltdown to the dubious results of the Honduras election, Chomsky keeps pointing the finger in the same direction—at highly suspect conspiracies of power to perpetuate, by force if necessary, American (i.e. corporate) interests. The consequences will be catastrophic, in Chomsky's view, and his latest is typically full of insightful analysis and a harsh viewpoint that may be problematic for anyone who doesn't share his cynicism of American power. Likewise, his interdisciplinary approach may be helpful for people who are not adept at drawing conclusions about policy, specifically how decisions can be informed by a variety of factors and interests and result in myriad consequences. However, Chomsky's latest is but another variation on a theme and readers who accept his premises might be frustrated by repetition and a lack of solutions. Is it important to get this information out? Absolutely. Will Chomsky convert anyone new to his beliefs with this latest? Probably not. (Oct.)