The Myth of American Idealism

How U.S. Foreign Policy Endangers the World

By: Noam Chomsky, Nathan J. Robinson

Narrated by: Sean Patrick Hopkins

“For anyone wanting to find out more about the world we live in . . . there is one simple answer: read Noam Chomsky.”—The New Statesman

From one of the world’s most prominent thinkers comes an urgent warning of the threat that U.S. power poses to humanity’s future as well as a sharp indictment of both American foreign policy and the national myths that support it.

The Myth of American Idealism offers a timely and comprehensive introduction to the incisive critiques of U.S. power that have made Noam Chomsky a “global phenomenon,” one of the most widely known public intellectuals of all time. Surveying the history of U.S. military and economic activity around the world, Chomsky and his co-author Nathan J. Robinson vividly trace the way the American pursuit of global domination has wrought havoc in country after country–without, ironically, making Americans any safer. And they explore how dominant elites in the United States have pushed self-serving myths about this country’s commitment to “spreading democracy,” while pursuing a reckless foreign policy that served the interest of few and endangered all too many.

Chomsky and Robinson range across the globe, offering penetrating accounts of Washington’s relationship with the Global South, its role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan–all justified with noble stories about humanitarian missions and the benevolent intentions of American policy makers. The same kinds of myths that have led to repeated disastrous wars, they argue, are now driving us closer to wars with Russia and China that imperil humanity’s future. Examining nuclear proliferation and climate change, they show how U.S. policies are continuing to exacerbate global threats.

For well over half a century, Noam Chomsky has committed himself to exposing governing ideologies and criticizing his country’s unchecked use of military power. At once thorough and devastating, urgent and provocative, The Myth of American Idealism offers a highly enjoyable entry to the conclusions he has come to after a lifetime of thought and activism.

©2024 Noam Chomsky and Nathan J. Robinson (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“A potent critique of the ideology behind America’s foreign interventions and its status as a global power, and a treatise on how the nation’s hubristic pursuit of 'spreading democracy' threatens not only the delicate balance of global peace, but the already-declining health of our planet. Who it’s for: Chomskyites; policy wonks and casual critics of American recklessness alike.”—The Millions

“Blistering . . . The authors’ top-versus-bottom analysis becomes strikingly perceptive in a final chapter analyzing how today a global elite benefits from world-killing fossil fuels. This offers rich food for thought.”—Publishers Weekly

“[This book] couldn’t be more timely. An outspoken critic of American empire for most of his life, here Chomsky zeroes in on the myths underlying that imperial expansion, namely the idea that the spread of democracy (no matter the methods) is an unalloyed good. The problem, of course, is that powerful men in small rooms who think themselves both wise and just tend to do the most damage.”—Literary Hub

Excellent Narration Great Material

Can't say there is anything new in this book in regards to American Foreign policy...or "business as usual" if you have seen Oliver Stones doco or are familiar with Zinn's book...but the detail and up to date material in this book is great! Chompy easily explains the Israeli Palestine conflict in a way that makes sense. great book and superbly narrated. get yours now!

Lost Innocence

The US that I was taught existed way back when in the 1960s and 1970s was indeed a myth. This book explains how in a way that only Chomsky can do.

So true yet unknown

I already know but good to know I’m not alone. Everything Noam has a part in is good. I wish him well

One of the most important texts of today's times

Eye opening and a great self reflection of the actions of the USA and the foreign policy we promote, but don't always follow

Absolutely spot on except . . .

This book is an awesome collection of some of our most dastardly deeds. The only thing In wish is he would mix in a couple of good things and give credit where credit is due. If any?? But I respectfully disagree with the opening of Chapter 5 which asserts The United States of America is OK with Israel doing ethnic cleansing because that’s exactly what we did to the Native Americans. That was quite some time ago and I think that we have matured that would be like me saying we were pretty sympathetic to a apartheid in South Africa because after all we had slaves well we have grown since then give me a break

A Compelling Compendium

There isn’t much new information in this book. If you have been paying attention, you will recognize most stories here. But listening to all of them in sequence and in full detail in one volume is a powerful experience. If you are amazed at the current policial scene, this book makes clear how we got here.

This is a must-read for all Americans

The book takes a comprehensive approach to dismantling American exceptionalism and exposing the harm America’s actions cause to others.

A book that helps us overcome our brainwashing

Chomsky and Robinson provide an honest view of America and the world. More than telling us how the world is however, the authors are not afraid for the reader to do their own research and even to challenge many of the assertions that they make. It is this academic courage that has always drawn me to Chomsky. Anyone who wants to know the truth about American idealism should read this book and then do their own research. If they’re willing to face the truth, they will see how Chomsky and Robinson are largely right about the state of our country.

To my surprise, the book actually made me feel a little bit better about our country today. It’s easy to get upset about the election of Trump and the cronies that he will put into political positions. But the reality is that America has had a host of presidents Who violated the constitution and committed crimes. Things may seem like they’re bad today, but they’re really just not that than they have always been