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Understanding Power
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Internationally renowned political commentator Noam Chomsky examines America's pursuit and exercise of power in a post-9/11 world. Noam Chomsky is the world's foremost intellectual activist. Over the last half century, no one has done more to question the great global powers who govern our lives, forensically scrutinizing policies and actions, calling our politicians, institutions and media to account. The culmination of years of work, Who Rules the World? is Chomsky's definitive intellectual investigation into the major issues of our times.
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 24
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 19
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In his 1988 CBC Massey Lecture, Noam Chomsky inquires into the nature of the media in a political system where the population cannot be disciplined by force and thus must be subjected to more subtle forms of ideological control. Specific cases are illustrated in detail, using the U.S. media primarily but also media in other societies.
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- Length: 1 hr and 9 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 48
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 38
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 39
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Why is the Atlantic slowly filling with crude petroleum, threatening a millions-of-years-old ecological balance? Why did traders at prominent banks take high-risk gambles with the money entrusted to them by hundreds of thousands of clients around the world, expanding and leveraging their investments to the point that failure led to a global financial crisis that left millions of people jobless and hundreds of cities economically devastated?
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What happened in chapter 12????
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The Mongol army led by Genghis Khan subjugated more lands and people in 25 years than the Romans did in 400. In nearly every country the Mongols conquered, they brought an unprecedented rise in cultural communication, expanded trade, and a blossoming of civilization.
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Amazing! Wonderful! Couldn't get enough!
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Summary
A major new collection from "arguably the most important intellectual alive" (The New York Times). Noam Chomsky is universally accepted as one of the preeminent public intellectuals of the modern era. Over the past thirty years, broadly diverse audiences have gathered to attend his sold-out lectures. Now, in Understanding Power, Peter Mitchell and John Schoeffel have assembled the best of Chomsky's recent talks on the past, present, and future of the politics of power.
In a series of enlightening and wide-ranging discussions, all published here for the first time, Chomsky radically reinterprets the events of the past three decades, covering topics from foreign policy during Vietnam to the decline of welfare under the Clinton administration. And as he elucidates the connection between America's imperialistic foreign policy and the decline of domestic social services, Chomsky also discerns the necessary steps to take toward social change. With an eye to political activism and the media's role in popular struggle, as well as U.S. foreign and domestic policy, Understanding Power offers a sweeping critique of the world around us and is definitive Chomsky. Characterized by Chomsky's accessible and informative style, this is the ideal book for those new to his work as well as for those who have been listening for years.
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- Damien H
- 31-10-17
Compelling listening
The more of the book I listened to, the more engaging and accessible I found it. There is a lot to listen to, but I would encourage listeners to persevere. The more of the book you hear, the more the complete picture is revealed.
18 of 18 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- flying_fin
- 15-09-15
Listen to this book and awake from the dream
What made the experience of listening to Understanding Power the most enjoyable?
This is probably one of the most influential books I have ever experienced. It covers so much ground, is so detailed and fact-rich that I never for a moment questioned the authenticity and sincerity of Chomsky's opinions and study of a world in the grip of trans-national corporate power. The depth of analysis and reasoning is at times breathtaking and much of the content will stay with me forever. I hope many will have the chance to read it and spread the word in order that we might all, in our small way, change for the better the sociopolitical landscape we find ourselves in today.
20 of 22 people found this review helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- buzzm
- 08-08-17
Not bad, but not great
I enjoy listening to political commentary and Chomsky definitely has something to say. However i found this book repetitive. This is down to it being a compilation of his works. However I believe the editor could have done slightly better in putting it together.
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Peter Thomas McNeely
- 09-01-17
Mixed bag
This is a good introduction to Noam Chomsky, and enjoyable. I'm glad I bought it.
However, some of the material is redundant - repeating arguments made elsewhere in the audiobook. Also, some of it has nothing to do with politics and society: it's just Noam telling us his guesses and opinions, and explaining how he feels about social activism.
Also, the way the narrator reads the questions from the audiences often presents them as stupid, or worshipful. That's not great.
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- C. S. Horler
- 07-07-18
Effecting Change
I listened to this over 6 weeks, at times a bit repetitive - but I suppose that's to be expected.
Probably 60/40 illustrative examples concern US foreign or domestic policy. Vs. The rest of the world.
The essence of the message :
* Governments under the foot of corporations
* Continual military action to ensure arms manufacture
* Universities shape the potential elites (plus the normal function of education and research)
* The press, not to be trusted.
* Economic strategy reasonably clear as one root cause, but no solution
Negatives:
* no discussion of rights and freedoms in the digital age (modern Internet, digital surveillance, evolution of dark web etc)
* leaves you wondering about if this is targeted at your insecurities - who should we trust.
* lacking in depth treatment of Europe (at one point alludes to more evolved socio-politic of Europe, and at another naive view of Europe wrt US) probably the wrong book if you want a greater understanding of European politics, culture and business.
Doesn't really answer the question how to effect change, only makes clear - new governments are only a placebo during the honeymoon period until corporations fully exert their control. Democratic voting power?
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 13-08-15
A book made for audible
This is a great book. It is tough going in places, so make use of the bookmarks and go back until you understand. It's long but it's worth it. The detail and examples are well thought out and relevant to today.
If you find yourself questioning information you read on social media, watch on the TV or read in the newspaper, this book is for you.
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Sam
- 06-11-16
insightful and relevant to history and present
Very long and detailed journey of American and world history rooted in real examples a day references. The relevance of some predictions and commentary from 1990's to today's political landscape is truly reflection of well grounded understanding of power dynamics
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- It's Me!
- 31-03-16
Really Indispensable Book!
Any additional comments?
This book is quite philosophical in nature. It defines the class of Chomsky if you’ve, only, vaguely heard about the man before. I have had reasonably good understanding of how US is working towards her hegemonic plans. But this book has given me strong understanding as to how serious the country is towards it’s malicious schemes. Arguments presented in the book are very strong and clear. It’s simple and so easy to follow and comprehend. There is no rhetoric, spat or rant of any kind. It’s pure intellectual work. Really loved it!
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- julien
- 06-08-17
brilliant
my first experience of Noam Chomsky. I much preferred that book than the subsequent one i read of him, because this one is a collection of picked interventions of the authors rather than a long, structured narrative, which allow a much greater span to the reflexion.
the picture the author paints of the current american and world power structure is so simple, so instinctive yet so completely misunderstood its bewildering.
i highly recommend this book for anyone interested in understanding our world
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jack Gleeson
- 09-12-16
Mind Blowing
The book, which touches on so many intricate subjects, is a masterpiece. Human introspection at the highest level.
Possibly the most powerful and thought-provoking material produced this century.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Senor Comatoso
- 12-08-15
Current times demand you get this into your head.
I'm not what you would consider a member of the left, actually I'm a capitalist entrepreneur. But the ideas and concepts in this book are universal, fundamental and are necesary if you wish to understand how the modern world works and the true forces tha shape our lives.ostl6, if you want to make a change for thr better it's necesary to understand what change looks like in the long timeframes we humans need to make real lasting change.
I don't agree with some of the ideas he presents but they are microscopic and of little importance in comparison to the scope of the information in this book, but that's just an opinion.
The best thing is to read this now, almost 30 years later. Chomsky got most of it right as you will learn if you listen to this completely. he basically predicts our current state.
By the way, I have had this book for 10 years in print and never had made the time to read. so yeah, thanks Audible.
30 of 32 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tobinardo
- 20-05-15
Staggering insight.
A most amazing compilation of facts surrounding the understanding of world power and their structures by one of greatest minds of our time! I just hope he is wrong in his conclusions.
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Scott
- 19-03-15
Chomsky
Fantastic book. Well organized and narrated. Essential for all, especially anarchists. Chomsky is like a political and economic encyclopedia. Don't make the mistake of idolizing him, think for yourself and go organize!
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jim
- 13-05-15
Great Material - Dry Performance
Mr. Bloodworth's reading is technically precise and easy to understand, it's as dry as toast roasted in the summer sun on the flats of the Atacama Desert.
The source material more than make up for this.
Recommended.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mr. B
- 13-05-16
A good start to Chomsky...
I enjoyed this very much. The first 9 "chapters" are a good summation of the U.S. and it's impact both here and abroad throughout the latter portion of the 20th century. For people like me in their mid 30's, it will be very interesting as much of what is covered happened when we were very young or before our time began. The last part of this collection has some very alarming conversation in regards to our future that is happening now and in recent years. Some may find this very boring and that is understandable as it can be very "dry" unless you are just very into Chomsky or his perspective on the power structure in our world. Overall it was a good listen but I had to give it a 4 because I did struggle to stay interested through some of it. I would like to give a lot of credit to the editors for what must have been a tedious and painstaking process to compile the best questions and answers from many different talks .
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Peggy Sue Richards
- 30-06-15
Preaching to the choir in a powerful way
So what are you doing about (it - whatever)?? Noam has always pushed us to be our best selves - to try to right wrongs and find alternatives to violence in our own lives and those of people everywhere. He is reminding us of what is in our hearts - we know when something is unsustainable (our shortsighted economic greed and resultant violence) and we know what to do about it (seek out and join with like-minded people to speak out, to support the good and to oppose and expose the oppression by the corporate oligarchy. We are powerful together, but not in isolation. I say listen, learn, love ourselves and others and don't let our brothers and sisters suffer - just do it. Together we are powerful!
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- E. Ard
- 16-07-14
Excellent Standalone or as a Supplement
Would you listen to Understanding Power again? Why?
Yes.Noam Chomsky's writings and lectures are filled with an overwhelming number of facts, numbers, and statements. So many, in fact, most of it will never reach your long term memory after just a listen or two. I read the hard copy first. While I don't mind plucking through the pages for a part I want to revisit, this was a much less daunting review that allowed for a cover-to-cover experience.
What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?
Every single aside and footnote could be traced to a real world reality. If he said a corporation wrote a letter asking for something from the government, even if the request seems insane, that letter exists and is available to the public. That is not to say there isn't opinion in here, there is very strong opinion. The facts are immaculate, however.
Which character – as performed by Robin Bloodworth – was your favorite?
Robin Bloodworth performed Chomsky's work throughout. One thing that immediately jumped out to me, having seen or heard some of the lectures, was the difference between inflection and emphasis. I only mention this because I am aware that most who would call themselves Chomsky fans have heard a lot of audio and seen many lectures. I found that Bloodworth's performance evened out Chomsky' and provided consistency to a collection written over such a long period (at 85, he sounds healthy, but obviously different than in his youth) and including diverse formats.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
"And the end result is in fact quite similar: what are called opinions "on the left" and "on the right" in the media represent only a limited spectrum of debate which reflects the range of needs of private power-but there's essentially nothing beyond those "acceptable" positions."
10 of 13 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Scott M Riccardelli
- 31-03-15
The bleak reality of the US
Everyone needs to listen to Chomsky. Whether you're a corporate shill or a concerned citizen, this puts the bleak cultural wasteland of America into focus and exposes the nastiness and the modern form of slavery that corporations are imposing on everyone.
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tyler
- 09-03-17
Understanding Power Indeed
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Absolutely, in fact I already have several times. If you feel you need help understanding power, how the media plays people and how the USA control the world this book is illuminating. Better yet it's accessible, and if you need to check it's sources you can readily though it's website.
What about Robin Bloodworth’s performance did you like?
He gets how Noam talks I think, and really gets the points across. I rather enjoy listening to him, so much so I have been listening to the book a second time barely a week later which is unheard of for me.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Absolutely, but it's so dense your best to take breaks so you can content with the material.
Any additional comments?
After listening to Understanding power, I recommend Dictators hand book as a companion. and I do suggest them in that order as Understanding power really informs on the hypothesis presented in The Dictator's Handbook.
Possible the best book I've read in years and certainty the best political book I've ever read.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- steve
- 21-01-17
A must read!
This is a book that everyone needs to read. The sound quality was good as well.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful