The Myth of American Idealism: How U.S. Foreign Policy Endangers the World

“Chomsky’s lifetime of activism and critique culminates in this volume, offering readers both a summary of his long-standing positions and a call to action.”

Noam Chomsky, one of the most influential public intellectuals of the past century, has published over 100 books, with his latest being a sweeping critique of U.S. foreign policy. At 95 years old and less active after suffering a medical event in June 2023, Chomsky continues to speak truth to power. This latest volume is a culmination of his lifetime of thought and activism, drawing insights from across his body of work into a relentless argument against U.S. imperialism.

Chomsky offers a fierce indictment of U.S. exceptionalism and hegemonic policies, painting America as a "rogue superpower" captivated by a dangerous mythology. He critiques the United States’ self-perception as a global defender of democracy and human rights, arguing instead that its foreign policy prioritizes power and control over these values. The title, reflecting Chomsky’s characteristic bluntness, could easily be something like The Case Against America, as it dissects the disconnect between U.S. rhetoric and reality.

Nathan Robinson, the coauthor who proposed the book, describes it as a "plea for mass activism." Chomsky calls for an engaged public, urging people to challenge the status quo. The book touches on several key historical moments, offering harsh critiques of U.S. interventions in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and more. Chomsky describes the Vietnam War as a “war of annihilation” and calls the invasion of Iraq “the crime of the century,” stating that the idea of Iraq posing a threat to the U.S. was “comical.” These examples, he argues, demonstrate that U.S. intervention often worsens already dire situations.

Chomsky also reflects on more recent geopolitical issues. He explores Israel’s politics through the lens of “U.S.-Israeli actions,” pointing out that much of what Israel does is with the direct support and responsibility of the United States. While the book predates the October 7, 2023 events in Gaza and Israel, it serves as a reminder of how bad things were before they became even worse.

On China, Chomsky argues that the “threat to and from” debate oversimplifies matters and that U.S.-China diplomacy is essential for planetary survival. He critiques NATO expansion and the war in Ukraine, framing it as part of a larger pattern of U.S.-Russia tensions which feels like a huge disservice to Ukraine as a country with its own history and political identity not simply part of the story of others.

In his discussion of nuclear and climate threats, Chomsky condemns U.S. leadership for its failures in arms control and environmental stewardship. He highlights the legacy humanitarian toll of U.S. policies, citing examples like the 20,000 people killed by unexploded ordnance in Laos, and David Miliband’s warning that the post-US moment in Afghanistan could kill more people through hunger than the last 20 years of war.

The book revisits Chomsky's well-known critique of mainstream media, which he accuses of serving as “official historians” for the state rather than providing honest journalism. He is particularly scathing about the political use of the word “terrorism,” calling it a term devoid of meaning in honest discourse. Chomsky’s criticism of the American system as one driven by unaccountable concentrated power leads to his overarching view that U.S. democracy is, in many ways, a conspiracy of the wealthy.

Many will find the book’s criticisms too one-sided. Chomsky’s portrayal of America as almost uniformly bad, contrasted with the countries it affects as primarily victims, risks oversimplification. There is little new in terms of content or approach for long-time Chomsky readers, and the broad brushstrokes he uses may leave some wishing for deeper, more nuanced arguments. He compiles a long list of U.S. “crimes,” but at times the sheer quantity of examples might overshadow the need for more rigorous analysis of alternatives, such as a rules-based international order or the effectiveness of humanitarian interventions.

While Chomsky's latest work offers no surprises in terms of its message, it remains a compelling reminder of the enduring challenges of U.S. foreign policy. Chomsky’s lifetime of activism and critique culminates in this volume, offering readers both a summary of his long-standing positions and a call to action. Whether you agree with his perspective or not, his work demands attention, especially in a world still grappling with many of the issues he has been raising for decades.