There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
Extensive violations of human rights (torture, forced reduction of living standards for much of the population, police-sponsored death squads, destruction of representative institutions or of independent unions, etc.) are directly correlated with US government support. The linkage is not accidental; rather it is systematic. The reason is obvious enough. Client fascism often improves the business climate for American corporations, quite generally the guiding factor in foreign policy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the correlation between US government actions and human rights violations in other countries, suggesting that corporate interests drive foreign policy.
Noam Chomsky critiques the relationship between the United States government and its foreign policy, suggesting that widespread violations of human rights, such as torture and oppression, are often facilitated by US support for authoritarian regimes. This systematic linking of support to client states is not accidental; rather, it stems from a desire to create favorable conditions for American corporations, implying that economic interests take precedence over human rights.
Themes
Human RightsForeign PolicyUs GovernmentCorporate InterestsAuthoritarianism
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about foreign intervention, one could use this quote to illustrate the consequences of prioritizing business interests over human rights.
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