The Myth of American Idealism, Chomsky and Robinson

 

The Myth of American Idealism:  How U.S. foreign policy endangers the world by Noam Chomsky and Nathan J. Robinson  I got this book as part of a book club sponsored by the authors.  I have read Chomsky's books on language and programming, but not his works on politics.  I have been a long time subscriber to Current Affairs which is Nathan Robinson's project.

Started: June 1, 2025
Completed: October 11, 2025
Recommendation: Recommended
Recommended By: the authors

Review:

This book is eye-opening.  First, there is the distinction between what America says and what it does (looking out for the good of a populace and then actually bombing that populace).  This can be seen in speeches from politicians and then the actual orders given by those same politicians.  While the right is more culpable, this has been happening from both the right and left.  There are also draw dropping statements on the public stage where the USA says simply horrible things and then follows through on the horrible stuff.  The back end of the book is focused on what can be done, but, honestly, there is not a lot of advice there that anyone can act upon.  Getting the media to focus on the facts and the facts alone is hard and it is something that no individual can do.  Supporting universities and their efforts to offer multiple views of history, but, again, it is not at all clear how that can be done.  In the end, the value if this book is in seeing what the USA is doing in the name of "We The People."