The Meaning of Solidarity

September 11

Traces how solidarity becomes a choice between supporting powerful institutions and standing with civilians exposed to their violence.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Imperial Direction The Imperial Direction from "September 11". The Imperial Direction Chomsky describes a long history in which powerful states project violence outward while remaining relatively protected at home.

The Imperial Direction from "September 11". The Imperial Direction Chomsky describes a long history in which powerful states project violence outward while remaining relatively protected at home.

The Imperial Direction Chomsky describes a long history in which powerful states project violence outward while remaining relatively protected at home. Unequal Exposure Colonial and postcolonial populations endure forms of coercion that citizens of imperial centers rarely experience directly. A Reversed Image The September attacks make the familiar direction of violence appear, briefly, reversed.

The Homeward Shock The Homeward Shock from "September 11". The Homeward Shock The attacks shock Americans partly because the country experiences violence on its own territory.

The Homeward Shock from "September 11". The Homeward Shock The attacks shock Americans partly because the country experiences violence on its own territory.

The Homeward Shock The attacks shock Americans partly because the country experiences violence on its own territory. A New Vulnerability Chomsky calls this a dramatic change in the public’s sense of safety. Historical Contrast The shock can open a path to recognizing violence elsewhere, if the public is willing to make the comparison.

Victims Beyond the Center Victims Beyond the Center from "September 11". Victims Beyond the Center Chomsky repeatedly draws attention to civilians harmed by American and allied actions abroad.

Victims Beyond the Center from "September 11". Victims Beyond the Center Chomsky repeatedly draws attention to civilians harmed by American and allied actions abroad.

Victims Beyond the Center Chomsky repeatedly draws attention to civilians harmed by American and allied actions abroad. Unequal Public Concern Those victims often receive less sympathy and less space in Western coverage. Solidarity’s Reach Solidarity requires concern that does not stop at national borders or political convenience.

Against Collective Punishment

Against Collective Punishment Chomsky rejects the idea that a population should suffer for crimes committed by a network among it. Civilian Protection Afghans are already victims of Taliban rule and should not be treated as responsible for the attacks. Justice Distinguished A concern for victims demands identifying offenders, not inflicting harm on a broader community.

A Universal Community A Universal Community from "September 11". A Universal Community The book’s moral horizon is a community in which the lives of distant civilians count equally.

A Universal Community from "September 11". A Universal Community The book’s moral horizon is a community in which the lives of distant civilians count equally.

A Universal Community The book’s moral horizon is a community in which the lives of distant civilians count equally. Beyond Official Boundaries Governments do not define who deserves compassion or legal protection. Practical Solidarity Consistent concern supports law, aid, public scrutiny, and resistance to violence against civilians.

Before September 11, 2001

September 11, 2001

September and October 2001

As military action is considered in September 2001

In the postface