The Contest Over Naming

Traces how labels such as war, terrorism, humanitarian intervention, and self-defense shape which violence is condemned or excused.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Humanitarian Vocabulary

Humanitarian Vocabulary Chomsky questions the claim that the Kosovo bombing campaign was humanitarian. A Familiar Justification He notes that powerful states often present coercion as moral necessity, a practice with historical precedents. Scrutinizing Motive Declarations alone cannot establish humane intent; the policy’s goals and consequences must also be examined.

The Propaganda Boundary

The Propaganda Boundary Chomsky shows how armed groups can shift from “terrorists” to “freedom fighters” when the political alignment changes. Kosovo Example The Kosovo Liberation Army was condemned by the United States before later becoming a favored partner against Serbia. Flexible Categories The shift exposes how official labels may track strategic loyalty more closely than consistent conduct.

A Global Convention Blocked

A Global Convention Blocked Chomsky argues that efforts to define terrorism internationally stall when a definition might apply to powerful states. The Disputed Principle A United Nations resolution preserved the rights of peoples resisting colonial rule and foreign occupation. Unequal Application He contends that a usable convention would need to exempt powerful actors unless states accept a genuinely universal standard.

The Word War

The Word War American officials adopt the language of war after the initially used term “crusade” provokes concern. A Broad Label Chomsky argues that “war” can obscure the legal question of whether the event should be treated as a crime. Political Effect Naming the response a war makes force appear natural before responsibility and evidence are established.

The Literal Definition

The Literal Definition Chomsky uses the official American definition of terrorism: calculated violence or its threat for political, religious, or ideological ends. Applying the Rule By that definition, the September attacks are plainly terrorist crimes. Consistency Required The same definition, he insists, must apply to states and allies as well as declared enemies.

During the Kosovo intervention in 1999

During the Kosovo conflict and its aftermath

In the debate over a global terrorism convention after 1987

In the days following September 11

September 21, 2001