There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
In Kosovo, the U.S. has chosen a course of action that escalates atrocities and violence. It is also a course of action that strikes a blow against the regime of international order, but which offers the weak at least some protection from predatory states.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote criticizes U.S. actions in Kosovo, highlighting their negative impact on global order while providing some level of protection to vulnerable states.
Noam Chomsky's quote addresses the complex dynamics of the U.S. intervention in Kosovo, suggesting that while the actions may escalate violence and undermine international order, they also serve as a form of protection for weaker nations against more aggressive states. This paradox illustrates the tensions between the pursuit of geopolitical goals and the moral implications of military interventions.
Themes
KosovoUs InterventionViolenceInternational OrderProtectionPredatory States
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about the U.S. military presence overseas, this quote could highlight the unintended consequences of intervention.
More from Noam Chomsky
All quotes →The 'free-floating intellectual' may occupy himself with problems because of their inherent interest and importance, perhaps to little effect.
Noam ChomskyRead
If you're teaching today what you were teaching five years ago, either the field is dead or you are.
Noam ChomskyRead
There are very few people who are going to look into the mirror and say, 'That person I see is a savage monster;' instead, they make up some construction that justifies what they do.
Noam ChomskyRead
The Republican Party has become overwhelmingly so extreme that it's hardly a traditional political party anymore.
Noam ChomskyRead
There is still much debate about whether torture has been effective in eliciting information - the assumption being, apparently, that if it is effective, then it may be justified.
Noam ChomskyRead
Similar quotes
My point was that the war was intrinsically wrong, and as a result of our participation we haven't improved Australia's security but created a greater danger at home and abroad.
Bob HawkeRead
A wise nation should cultivate a political spirit that allows opponents to cooperate without fearing an automatic execution from their core supporters. Who knew that the real rogues in American politics would be the ones who dare to get along?
Jon MeachamRead
The hardest thing about any political campaign is how to win without proving that you are unworthy of winning.
Adlai Stevenson IRead
Elections should be held on April 16th- the day after we pay our income taxes. That is one of the few things that might discourage politicians from being big spenders.
Thomas SowellRead
Americans are struck by lightning with greater frequency than they commit voter impersonation fraud, and that's the only kind of fraud that photo ID requirements could have any hope of preventing.
Jason KanderRead
The essence of government is control, or the attempt to control.
Benjamin TuckerRead