by James Petras
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Product Description
This book provides a comprehensive guide to the systemic dimensions of the US empire. Petras elaborates the changes within the US ruling class, as its manufacturing sector declines and gives way to the ascendancy of finance capital, illustrated by its dominance of both the US economy, and the parameters for political debate on the US role in the world economy (globalization, trade liberalization). Petras addresses the fallacy of discussions on the imminent collapse of capitalism when what is occurring in reality is the collapse of workers' rights. He elaborates the contradictions in current immigration/trade liberalization policies, and how these work toward forcing the displacement of peoples, and furthering the underdevelopment of third world countries. He reveals the dark heart of modern empire, in the emergence and proliferation of holocaust-scale carnage.and further outlines how the world capitalist system is laced together in an intricate hierarchy where the US pulls most of the strings, even outside its ostensible area of dominance. The role of corruption in securing world markets is addressed, as are the reasons for the spectacular global growth in new billionaires. The role of the Zionist Lobby in America is examined as it relates to the catastrophic wars in Iraq and Lebanon, and the threat of a further attack on Iran. A mounting schism within the US ruling elite between its pro-Zionist sector concerned with advancing the interests of Israel, and the traditional ruling elite concerned with protecting US imperial interests worldwide is addressed in relation to the Iraq Study Group's failed effort to introduce changes in current US Middle East policy. Finance capital and its political representatives in the US government depend on the support of client regimes in other countries, which include those considered relatively `center left', to sustain the US empire. However, in pursuit of freedom, justice, national independence and peace, powerful social movements and in some circumstances armed national resistance forces have emerged to challenge American dominance. Petras sheds light on the actual status of contemporary resistance to US hegemony within China, Latin America, and the Middle East.
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Average Customer Review:
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
 Disappointing, 2008-11-21
This title lingered for a long time on my Amazon.com "wish list". Somehow, with all of the reading I was doing, I couldn't find the time for this book. Perhaps I had some doubt as to its importance. If that was the case, the doubt was confirmed, having purchased and read this book. It was a very big disappointment.
Given the title of the book, I had looked forward to an exposition of the role of international banking and Zionism in the American Empire. And there was some of this contained between the covers of this work. But, mostly the book consisted of Marxist rhetoric, which is long on volume and sadly short on cogent reasoning.
The few sections of the book that actually dealt with Zionism and militarism were well done. But this was far less than half of the total contents. Most of the book had to do with a Marxist analysis of class struggle. And this is pretty much useless for those who honor sound reasoning.
In summary, we cannot highly recommend this book of Dr. Petras. Those sections on Zionism and militarism are worthwhile. But the bulk of the book is not. God bless.
28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
 Good Academic Analysis and Thought Provoking, 2008-06-13
This is the second book that I have read by James Petras- the first was 'The Power of Israel in the United States'. I enjoyed his first book as well as this one. He is quite an academic virtuoso providing a sociological, historical, organizational, and political perspective as to whom controls the world and its money, resources, and, of course, politicians. Mainly, he points the finger at MNC's (Multinational Corporations) that are quite effective at neutralizing any dissent, exploiting indigenous populations, and bribing politicians. He discusses somewhat the influence of Zionists in their quest to control the Middle East and the influence of money interests, i.e., hedge funds, equity firms, and investment banks, in capturing world industry and rsources. Moreover,Petras argues that China is simply a puppet of the Central Imperial Power- the United States given the amount of foreign investment in the country. I enjoyed this book very much - he is indeed thought provoking, challenging, and difficult read due to his complex and academic writing style. I think this book should be viewed as an academic reference- this is definitely not simple casual reading. The only few criticisms I had of the book was at times, he would have emotional outbursts against the Zionists and Capitalism in general- personally, I would refrain from this because I believe it leaves less room for credibility. Moreover, I do not agree with his idea that nationalizing industries is the way to go when it comes to foreign trade. Nevertheless, I recommend anybody read this book if your up for the challenge.
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