Argument and insight

The title of this series of recent interviews with one of the world's relatively few undisputed intellectuals, although he does not value the label, is drawn from the first George Bush's proud boast in 1991, towards the end of the first Gulf war, when he proclaimed a "new world order" based on the principle that "what we say goes."

Since the Vietnam war, Chomsky, renowned for his groundbreaking work in linguistics, has become one of the most analytical and potent critics of US international policies. A permanent thorn in the Establishment's flesh, his world standing gives him a position equivalent to that of Bertrand Russell half a century ago.

Skilful interviewing is an art and, from his many previous interviews, David Barsamian is able to draw from Chomsky succinct and perceptive commentaries on subjects ranging from US machinations in the Middle East and Latin America, religious fundamentalism, the nature of propaganda, revolution versus reform, threats to the planet and those solutions that might be possible in a world dominated by a mafia state.

This little book - less than 200 pages of text - is packed with fact-supported argument and insights, many of which may surprise.

For example, powerful as it is, Chomsky denies the reputed total influence on US policy of the American zionist lobby.

"Everything that Israel does, virtually, is with the authorisation of the United States" and, consequently, when Israel's interests vary occasionally from its puppet masters, the normally vociferous lobbyists are muted.

His observations on the nature of propaganda in "free" Western societies are particularly enlightening for those who, like me, find our anodyne media debates of the Any Questions - Question Time variety irritating and futile exercises.

Barsamian, quoting Chomsky, leads the latter into an explanation of how what we are encouraged to take for debate is always in the context of unspoken and, therefore, unquestioned presuppositions.

We may question the legality of the Iraq invasion, but not the desirability of a US victory. "The so-called opponents of the war overwhelmingly are opponents of US failure." Note Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

While recognising the ecological dangers besetting our world, Chomsky sees nuclear catastrophe as a much more immediate menace - one that blind, short-termed US self-interest is rapidly increasing.

The book is not altogether pessimistic. The government and the corporations are "well to the right of the population on a host of issues" and Chomsky sees this as a growing fissure and weakness in the power systems which progressives can exploit. Perhaps, however, the greatest note of optimism is derived from Chomsky's clarion voice.

Designed naturally for US audiences, Chomsky's domestic analyses and revelations of the way that US power structures control the thinking of their people will seem at times obvious to politically aware British readers, but his ability to draw together the strands of our confusing international scene with authoritative clarity makes this an invaluable current reference tool for anyone involved in political discussion.