There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
The U.S. - the idea that the U.S. has introduced and imposed principles of international law, that's hardly even a joke. The United States has even gone so far as to veto Security Council resolutions calling on all states to observe international law. That was in the 1980s under Reagan.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote criticizes the hypocrisy of the U.S. in enforcing international law while ignoring it itself.
Noam Chomsky highlights a contradiction in U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the context of international law. He points out that while the U.S. claims to uphold and promote international legal standards, it has selectively applied these principles, often vetoing actions that could hold it accountable or call for adherence to these laws, particularly during the Reagan era. This statement suggests a deeper reflection on the moral authority of nations when they act inconsistently with the principles they advocate.
Themes
International LawHypocrisyUs Foreign PolicyNoam ChomskyPrinciples
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on international relations, this quote could be used to discuss the responsibilities of powerful nations.
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
Misunderstanding is my cornerstone. It's everyone's, come to think of it. Illusions mistaken for truth are the pavement under our feet.
Barbara KingsolverRead
CEMETERY, n. An isolated suburban spot where mourners match lies, poets write at a target and stone-cutters spell for a wager.
Ambrose BierceRead
Our faith is an astounding thing-astounding that I should believe him to be the Son of God who is suspended on the cross, whom I have never seen, with whom I have never become acquainted.
Martin LutherRead
Consciousness-one level is understanding where we are in space. Consciousness two is where we understand our position in society: who's top dog, who's underdog and who's in the middle. And type-three consciousness is simulating the future. And type-three consciousness, only humans have this ability to see far into the future.
Michio KakuRead
why shouldnt things be largely absurd, futile, and transitory? they are so, and we are so, and they and we go together.
George SantayanaRead
Skepticism, as I said, is not intellectual only; it is moral also; a chronic atrophy and disease of the whole soul. A man lives by believing something; not by debating and arguing about many things. A sad case for him when all that he can manage to believe is something he can button in his pocket, and with one or the other organ eat and digest! Lower than that he will not get.
Thomas CarlyleRead