Devastating Society

'Every American ought to read these indictments of the G. W. Bush administration's self-righteous attacks on honesty, fairness, decency, and the rule of law.' Wendell Bell, Yale University 'A much-needed antidote both to simplistic anti-American rhetoric and to the view that current trends lead toward peaceful and sustainable futures. This book is vital reading for those tired of media evasions, who wish to think for themselves and to gain clarity regarding the current global economic and geopolitical order.' Richard Slaughter, Foresight International, President, World Futures Studies Federation 'This is an important and fascinating book, which gives an original and scathing insight into the workings of the far right of American society and its impacts on social justice.' Jean Ziegler, University of Geneva The contributors to this book include some of the leading dissenting writers and thinkers of our time, including Noam Chomsky, William Blum and Michel Chossudovsky. United in their opposition to the neo-conservatism underpinning America's current political strategies, the contributors offer a grounded critique of the real impact that these policies make, at home and abroad. Starting with a close analysis of the Bush administration and the neo-conservative hold on power in Washington, they move on to a broader historical analysis. They set today's topical issues in the context of what they see as a gradual shift towards the right in American politics, and the creeping corporatisation of American society. The contributors show that September 11 was used by the Bush administration to clamp down on civil liberties at home and to step up an aggressive line in foreign policy. The impact on American society, and societies elsewhere, has been deeply damaging. Ranging over this and other topics including the US economy, corporate crime and anti-environmentalism, this book is ideal for anyone who wants a critical introduction to current affairs issues, set within the broader context of America's history of foreign interventions and global capitalism.