The Myth of American Idealism

How U.S. Foreign Policy Endangers the World

By: Noam Chomsky, Nathan J. Robinson

Narrated by: Sean Patrick Hopkins

“For anyone wanting to find out more about the world we live in . . . there is one simple answer: read Noam Chomsky.” —The New Statesman

A sharp indictment of both American foreign policy and the national myths that support it, and an urgent warning of the threat that U.S. power poses to humanity’s future

The Myth of American Idealism offers a timely and comprehensive introduction to the incisive critiques of U.S. power that have made Noam Chomsky one of the most widely known public intellectuals of all time. Surveying the history of U.S. military and economic activity around the world, Chomsky and coauthor Nathan J. Robinson vividly trace the way the American pursuit of global domination has wrought havoc in country after country.

Chomsky and Robinson offer penetrating accounts of Washington’s relationship with the Global South, its role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan—all justified with noble stories about humanitarian missions and the benevolent intentions of American policymakers. The same myths that have led to repeated disastrous wars, they argue, are now imperiling humanity’s future. Examining nuclear proliferation and climate change, they show how U.S. policies are continuing to exacerbate global threats.

For well over half a century, Noam Chomsky has committed himself to exposing governing ideologies and criticizing his country’s unchecked power. At once thorough and devastating, urgent and provocative, The Myth of American Idealism offers a highly readable entry to a lifetime of thought and activism.

Lost Innocence

The US that I was taught existed way back when in the 1960s and 1970s was indeed a myth. This book explains how in a way that only Chomsky can do.

Great book

Outstanding overview of American foreign policy and hypocrisy. Interesting and well written. Multiple examples of US interventions abroad and how US claims to exceptionalism are called into question.

Absolutely spot on except . . .

This book is an awesome collection of some of our most dastardly deeds. The only thing In wish is he would mix in a couple of good things and give credit where credit is due. If any?? But I respectfully disagree with the opening of Chapter 5 which asserts The United States of America is OK with Israel doing ethnic cleansing because that’s exactly what we did to the Native Americans. That was quite some time ago and I think that we have matured that would be like me saying we were pretty sympathetic to a apartheid in South Africa because after all we had slaves well we have grown since then give me a break

A Compelling Compendium

There isn’t much new information in this book. If you have been paying attention, you will recognize most stories here. But listening to all of them in sequence and in full detail in one volume is a powerful experience. If you are amazed at the current policial scene, this book makes clear how we got here.

Excellent Narration Great Material

Can't say there is anything new in this book in regards to American Foreign policy...or "business as usual" if you have seen Oliver Stones doco or are familiar with Zinn's book...but the detail and up to date material in this book is great! Chompy easily explains the Israeli Palestine conflict in a way that makes sense. great book and superbly narrated. get yours now!