– Customer review on 16/05/2007

In one of his most detailed, though-provoking and insightful works, and we are talking about a man considered by many to to be the foremost public intellectual of our times, Chomsky analyses 'Neoliberalsm', it's affects on the populace of various peoples and pays particular attention to 'globalisation', as seen by 'neoliberals', the united states and multination business.
This work is actually a collection of articles, and smaller pieces of work, selected and added together. The choices during the selection compliment each other, creating a coherence as if the work was one piece. The issues Chomsky deals with all are to show just how much control the major nations and business have over our ever day lives, often deciding for some whether they live in poverty or are able to survive. A particular quote stands out through much of Chomsky's work, and is viewed in this book: "Capitalism would be a good idea". Chomsky hypothesises our society is not one built one free trade, but on protectionist agendas, protection for those already in power. The quote is sums up, in an abstract way, the book in general which is a question of what values does the populace hold, verse the few in power. It questions free trade, verse the current climate of inequal trade, through an excess of government subsidies for business and takes a look at the United State's governments creation of the current system.
Certainly a harsh critique of the power brokers of the U.S, Chomsky points to a history of mistreatment of other, developing nations over the last century or so. Using examples of blantant and, most importantly, deliberate exploitation dating back to decisions made post WWII, of covert tactics to destabalise and then control other nation states and of bullying ot other nations to ensure an unequal, unjust system of trade, Chomsky provides a strong case for not only change, but greater public involvement in affairs of the state. A case that easily and equally applies to Australian and the Australian government.
'Profit Over People' is one of Chomsky's most regarded, well known and quoted works, and taking into consideration for some time he was the most cited individual in history, it is obvious to see how valuable this book is to all.