In May 2023, a few weeks before he became very sick, Declassified UK's Matt Kennard interviewed Professor Noam Chomsky.

The Financial Times and Haiti

Noam Chomsky notes that the Financial Times stands out among major international newspapers for its truthful reporting, driven by the need for accurate information due to its business focus. The conversation shifts to the U.S.'s role in Haiti's history, starting with Haiti’s declaration of independence in 1804, which led to international backlash, including the U.S. refusing to recognize Haiti until 1862. Chomsky highlights U.S. support for dictatorships in Haiti in the 1980s and 90s and the U.S. reaction to the unexpected election of populist priest Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 1989, leading to his ousting.

The Overthrow of Aristide

Chomsky discusses the 2004 overthrow of Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, supported by the United States. Despite Aristide's efforts to reduce corruption, he was removed in a coup, leading to extreme oppression and poverty under the new regime. The Clinton Administration allowed Aristide's return but forced him to accept harsh economic programs that devastated the country. Chomsky also reveals how U.S. Agri-businesses flooded the market, destroying Haiti’s peasant society. Chomsky connects this event to his memories of the Spanish Civil War, seeing parallels between U.S. actions in Haiti and fascist regimes in Europe.

Historical Mistreatment of Haiti

Chomsky continues by exploring the mistreatment of Haiti by liberal democracies, particularly the U.S. During World War II, the U.S. and other democracies maintained neutrality, indirectly supporting fascist regimes. Similarly, in Haiti, the U.S., Canada, and France intervened in the country’s elections and kidnapped Aristide in 2004. Chomsky reflects on the exploitation of Haiti by France and the burden of debt imposed on the country, which was only paid off in the 1940s. He also discusses the post-World War II economic and political settlement, which initially held promise but was later subverted, leaving Haiti without compensation for colonialism and slavery.

The Post-War Era and Dismantling Worker-Based Economies

Chomsky discusses the post-World War II era and the collapse of hopes for a more just world. He explains how the U.S. and Britain dismantled worker-based economies in Italy and Greece, restoring old regimes and quashing radical democracy movements. The U.S. imposed its influence on Latin America, opposing economic nationalism and prioritizing foreign investors. This marked the beginning of U.S. dominance in Latin America, undermining the socioeconomic rights outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Bretton Woods Institutions and U.S. Economic Control

Chomsky discusses the Bretton Woods institutions established after World War II, which allowed the U.S. to exert significant economic and political control globally. Although this system led to growth in some countries, it also marked the end of the period of social democracy, with neoliberalism taking hold in the late 1970s. The socioeconomic provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights were dismissed, and U.S. policies became more protectionist, exemplified by Nixon’s removal of the U.S. from the gold standard and the implementation of restrictive patent laws through the World Trade Organization.

U.S. Control and International Relations

Chomsky criticizes the monopolistic control of pharmaceuticals in the U.S., leading to exorbitant prices due to process patents that prevent competition. He also discusses the U.S.’s treatment of international organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO), highlighting the example of U.S. sanctions on Cuba, which were opposed by the global community but enforced through third-party sanctions. Chomsky also touches on U.S. involvement in conflicts in Turkey and Israel, noting the significant aid provided to these countries during periods of severe repression, which was largely ignored by the press.

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and U.S. Support

Chomsky addresses the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on the U.S.'s role in supporting Israel's illegal occupation. He explains how Israel's repression of Palestinians worsened around 2005 and criticizes Israel's ongoing brutal occupation, supported by U.S. military, economic, and diplomatic aid. Chomsky notes that Israel’s expansion at the expense of security began in the 1970s and has continued with U.S. backing, despite violating international law and causing immense suffering for Palestinians.

Trump, Biden, and the Expansion of "Greater Israel"

Chomsky discusses the policies of the Trump and Biden administrations toward Israel and the Palestinians, particularly regarding the annexation of the Golan Heights and Jerusalem and the removal of humanitarian aid from Palestinians. He explains Israel’s long-standing strategy of constructing "Greater Israel" by taking over Arab land and isolating Palestinians. Chomsky also examines the link between American imperialism abroad and domestic policies aimed at the poor, though he emphasizes that they are separate matters. He attributes the wealth transfer to the rich during the neoliberal years to policies initiated by Reagan and Trump.

Neoliberal Policies and U.S. Imperialism

Chomsky discusses the increasing role of the government in supporting the rich and corporate sector, especially during the neoliberal era. He mentions the bailout of Continental Illinois Bank and the concept of "too big to fail," allowing corporations to take risks with the assurance of taxpayer-funded bailouts. Chomsky notes the wealth transfer from the lower 90% to the top 1%, facilitated by tax cuts for the rich and increased military spending under Reagan and Trump. Despite stagnating real wages, he acknowledges slight improvements in recent years, but warns of Republican efforts to reverse progress. He highlights the parallel developments of imperial atrocities abroad and domestic repression, both designed to benefit the rich and corporate sector.

U.S. Intervention in Honduras and the War on Drugs

Chomsky discusses the U.S. role in the 2008 coup in Honduras and its aftermath. The U.S.-backed regime became notorious for human rights abuses and transformed the country into the homicide capital of the world. Chomsky connects the violence in Honduras and Colombia to the U.S.'s militarized approach to the drug war, which he argues is ineffective and costly. He criticizes the focus on military action over prevention and treatment, which would be more effective in addressing the drug problem.

Border Control, Military Interventions, and the Arab Spring

Chomsky discusses the ineffectiveness and high cost of U.S. border control and military interventions in countries like Colombia. He contrasts this with the lack of investment in prevention and treatment at home. Chomsky expresses initial hope for the Arab Spring revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt but laments the collapse of democratic structures and the rise of harsh dictatorships. He criticizes the U.S. for continuing to support authoritarian regimes, undermining the aspirations for freedom and democracy in the region.

Avram Noam Chomsky was born on December 7, 1928 to Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants in Philadelphia. He is a renowned American professor and public intellectual, celebrated for his revolutionary work in linguistics and cognitive science. Known as "the father of modern linguistics," Chomsky has significantly influenced language study with his theories on transformational and universal grammar. As a prominent critic of U.S. foreign policy and capitalism, he has authored over 150 books and remains a leading voice in social criticism and activism. Chomsky is a laureate professor at the University of Arizona and an institute professor emeritus at MIT.

Matt Kennard’s book The Racket: A Rogue Reporter vs The American Empire is available on Amazon.