Chomsky Indicts Bush, Failed States

Summary

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Noting that the meaning of failed state is "frustratingly imprecise," [Noam Chomsky] chooses a narrow interpretation of the concept: "(T)he failure to provide security for the population, to guarantee rights at home or abroad, or to maintain functioning (not merely formal) democratic institutions."

Chomsky warns specifically of a "growing democratic deficit." By this he means a "sharp divide between public opinion and public policy."

Its drawbacks notwithstanding, this is an important and timely book. The image of the U.S. as an incipient "failed state" is startling and reminds us that even in "developed" countries, democracy must never be taken for granted.

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Chomsky Indicts Bush, Failed States

Failed States

The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy

By Noam Chomsky

Metropolitan Books, 311 pages, $32

Reviewed by David Riach

MIT linguist Noam Chomsky's reputation as one of the most important l...

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