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Understanding Power

The Indispensable Chomsky

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Understanding Power

By: Noam Chomsky, John Schoeffel - editor, Peter R. Mitchell - editor
Narrated by: Robin Bloodworth
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About this listen

A major new collection from "arguably the most important intellectual alive" (The New York Times). Noam Chomsky is universally accepted as one of the preeminent public intellectuals of the modern era. Over the past thirty years, broadly diverse audiences have gathered to attend his sold-out lectures. Now, in Understanding Power, Peter Mitchell and John Schoeffel have assembled the best of Chomsky's recent talks on the past, present, and future of the politics of power.

In a series of enlightening and wide-ranging discussions, all published here for the first time, Chomsky radically reinterprets the events of the past three decades, covering topics from foreign policy during Vietnam to the decline of welfare under the Clinton administration. And as he elucidates the connection between America's imperialistic foreign policy and the decline of domestic social services, Chomsky also discerns the necessary steps to take toward social change. With an eye to political activism and the media's role in popular struggle, as well as U.S. foreign and domestic policy, Understanding Power offers a sweeping critique of the world around us and is definitive Chomsky. Characterized by Chomsky's accessible and informative style, this is the ideal book for those new to his work as well as for those who have been listening for years.

©2002 Noam Chomsky, Peter Rounds Mitchell, and John Schoeffel (P)2014 Audible, Inc.
Elections & Political Process Political Science Politics & Government Social Policy Socialism Economic Inequality Military Capitalism Iran War Imperialism Russia Social change Soviet Union Latin America Liberalism Social movement Middle East American Foreign Policy American History Economic disparity Taxation Africa Social justice Human Rights Interwar Period
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Provides an essential framework through which more accurate 'pictures of the world' can be perceived.

Perceptive and relevant even 30+ years later

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That voice, those words, that message - a succinct overview of Chomsky, cannot recommend enough in these current political times - x

22 hours of rapture

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Excellently narrated. Proper eye opener and still highly relevant in 2020. Everyone should study the concepts contained in this book.

Everyone should listen to this.

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Eye opening work by the great Noam Chomsky, I have recommended this to a number of friends, a great demonstration of how the system is corrupted to favour self-interested elites. Noam does prescribe remedies, but they are hard fought and won, be prepared to do that if you want to see change

illuminating

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it was good - clear, and reinforces my preconceived biases so i really enjoyed it

really great and eye opening

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Like fine wine but deeply worrying, maybe sandwich those between two fun books but an incredibly important read.

Hasn't aged a day

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probably the most important book I've listened to in the last 7 years. they should teach some of this in school

very important

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I find Chomsky to be indispensable when confronted with the complexity of the modern world. In simple, falsifiable terms, he deconstructs the comforting myths that sustain our agency in hideous crimes, without ever forgetting that the participation of ordinary people is the only power that can and has ever made a difference.

Essential listening

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I've been an admirer of Noam Chomsky for many years. His work has shone light in places that power would prefer remain in the dark. I couldn't recommend this collection of his discussions enough.

A MUST if you wish to understand our world.

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The biggest problem we encounter when reading(?) audiobooks is the total quality of production. Contents of course, editing, narration, speed, voice....

This one is as good as it can get. Superb writing, obviously. Editors did a fantastic job organising his talks in a very accessible format.
And narration. Very comfortable to listen to. I like it a lot.

Thank you for creating this. Very educational and inspiring, that is, Noam Chomsky.

Incredible breadth of knowledge and razor sharp intellect

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