Rev Left Radio [BEST OF] The Noam Chomsky Interview: Fragility of US Power w/ Vijay Prashad
May 21, 2025
Join Noam Chomsky, renowned intellectual and critic of U.S. foreign policy, alongside Vijay Prashad, a historian and director at Tricontinental, as they dissect the fragility of U.S. power. They delve into the aftermath of military withdrawals and the moral complexities of American interventions. The duo explores the historical impacts of U.S. imperialism in Indochina, recent geopolitical shifts, and the rising influence of China, urging listeners to reflect on the consequences of foreign policies and advocate for collaborative political movements.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
The Godfather Attitude in U.S. Power
- The U.S. maintains global dominance through a 'godfather attitude', demanding obedience through sanctions and threats.
- Even when other countries oppose U.S. policies, they often comply to avoid harsh punishments.
U.S. Wars Project Power, Not Always Win
- U.S. military interventions often aim to destabilize rather than achieve strategic victories.
- Vietnam and Afghanistan wars were less about winning and more about projecting power and crushing independent development.
Critique of American Exceptionalism
- American exceptionalism claims altruistic motives for interventions but is historically false.
- Other empires behaved similarly, pursuing self-interest under the guise of noble missions.