Review of Noam Chomsky's ‘Who Rules the World?’
Essay topic: Review of Noam Chomsky's ‘Who Rules the World?’
Answer:
Many American studies graduates, born during the September 11 attacks and raised amid the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, show a keen interest in understanding US international policy. They seek a deeper understanding beyond mainstream media portrayals. Noam Chomsky's essays in "Who Rules the World?" offer a unique perspective, addressing the ethical implications of American hard power and its role in global economic injustice.
Chomsky's influence extends from public discourse to student-led movements, making his voice heard on both sides of the Atlantic. Despite his global reputation, his written work rarely appears in international relations curricula. The essays in "Who Rules the World?" cover various issues related to American power, providing answers to critical questions about the motivations behind the exercise of state power.
Chomsky challenges the conventional view that states act primarily for security reasons. He argues that interventions, such as the 'war on terror,' have not made the world safer. Instead, he suggests that the primary motivation behind these actions is to influence nations for economic and military gain, expanding corporate interests.
Beyond international affairs, Chomsky explores the link between foreign policy and domestic governance. He contends that maintaining control abroad involves restricting democracy at home. Chomsky emphasizes the interconnected behavior of various government agencies, revealing how interventionist foreign policy can impact domestic practices, especially those affecting minority populations.
In "Who Rules the World?," Chomsky provides a broad overview of different international policy issues from a critical perspective. While his approach may not fit traditional curricula, his insights are relevant for American studies students, encouraging them to engage critically with both domestic and foreign facets of American power. Whether Chomsky deserves a place in international relations courses depends on the course objectives, but his views undoubtedly hold significance for those studying the multifaceted dimensions of American influence.
