Noam Chomsky full length interview: Who rules the world now?

Summary

In this transcript, Noam Chomsky discusses the factors contributing to Donald Trump's rise, highlighting the economic struggles of the white working class and the decline of democracy. He emphasizes the dangers posed by Trump and other Republican candidates regarding nuclear war and environmental catastrophe. Chomsky also addresses the Transatlantic Trade Partnership (TTIP), describing it as an investor rights agreement that undermines public interests and environmental regulations. He critiques the perception of the U.S. as a leading terrorist state and provides his views on the global power dynamics involving the U.S., China, and Russia.

Takeaways

• 📊 Economic stagnation and decline have left the white working class poor feeling marginalized, contributing to the rise of Trump's support.
• 🔍 The decline in functioning democracy is evident as elected representatives often fail to reflect the interests and concerns of their constituents.
• 🚀 The concentration of wealth among the top 1% has led to a significant disparity in opulence and poverty.
• 🌍 The greatest dangers to humanity are the threats of nuclear war and environmental catastrophe.
• 🏛️ Hilary Clinton, unlike Republican candidates, acknowledges climate change and the need for action, although not to Chomsky's satisfaction.
• 🌳 The Republican stance on environmental issues is largely denial, with the exception of Kasich, who acknowledges climate change but opposes action.
• 🛠️ Republican candidates advocate for the elimination of the Environmental Protection Agency and the reduction of regulations to benefit business.
• ⚔️ Militarism is a concern as Republican candidates aim to increase the already substantial military budget.
• 🇪🇺 Chomsky does not agree with Trump's view on the EU, fearing that Brexit could weaken the EU and make Britain more subordinate to US power.
• 🌐 The question of 'Who rules the world?' is complex, involving the balance of power between states, corporate interests, and the public.
• 🇨🇳 China's role in the world is significant, but it is not on the same scale as the United States, especially in terms of military power and global influence.

Q & A

What does Chomsky attribute the rise of Donald Trump's support to?

Chomsky attributes the rise of Donald Trump's support primarily to the white working class poor who have been marginalized during the neo-liberal period, experiencing stagnation or decline in real male wages and a decline in functioning democracy.

How does Chomsky view the current state of democracy in the United States?

Chomsky sees a decline in functioning democracy, with elected representatives barely reflecting the interests and concerns of the people, leading to increased contempt for institutions like Congress.

What are the two major dangers Chomsky believes the human species faces?

Chomsky identifies the rising danger of nuclear war and environmental catastrophe as the two major dangers facing the human species.

How does Chomsky evaluate the stance of Republican candidates on climate change?

Chomsky criticizes Republican candidates, including Trump, for denying the existence of climate change and wanting to eliminate the Environmental Protection Agency, in contrast to Hillary Clinton who recognizes the issue.

What is Chomsky's perspective on the Transatlantic Trade Partnership (TTIP)?

Chomsky views TTIP as an extreme danger, not a free trade agreement but rather an investor rights agreement that is protectionist for private power and undermines efforts at regulation, including environmental protection.

How does Chomsky assess the power dynamics within the United States?

Chomsky believes that power in the United States is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a narrow sector of corporate wealth and private power, which interacts with similar entities globally.

What is Chomsky's opinion on the role of China in global power dynamics?

While acknowledging China's significant economic role, Chomsky notes that China has internal problems and is not yet on the same scale of power as the United States, especially militarily.

How does Chomsky describe the United States' global actions?

Chomsky describes the United States as carrying out actions all over the world, including assassination campaigns, which he considers extreme terrorist war.

What is Chomsky's stance on the European Union and Brexit?

Chomsky does not have a strong opinion on Brexit but is concerned that it could weaken the European Union and make Britain more subordinate to US power, which he views as not beneficial for the world or Britain.

How does Chomsky view the concept of 'Who rules the world now?'

Chomsky suggests that there is no simple answer, as power dynamics include states, internal power structures, and the public's potential influence, with the United States remaining the most powerful state despite its decline.

What is Chomsky's assessment of Russia's actions?

Chomsky describes Russia as authoritarian and harsh, carrying out ugly actions in its own region, but also notes that the United States carries out similar actions globally.