The Possibility of Peace

September 11

Traces the book’s movement from warnings about escalation toward a conditional hope for lawful action, public pressure, and humanitarian responsibility.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Familiar Cycle A Familiar Cycle from "September 11". A Familiar Cycle Chomsky warns that retaliatory violence can reproduce the conditions that invite further violence.

A Familiar Cycle from "September 11". A Familiar Cycle Chomsky warns that retaliatory violence can reproduce the conditions that invite further violence.

A Familiar Cycle Chomsky warns that retaliatory violence can reproduce the conditions that invite further violence. Historical Pattern Conflicts in Ireland, the Middle East, and the Balkans show how escalation can become self-sustaining. A Choice, Not Fate The pattern is familiar but not inevitable; governments and publics can choose differently.

Law as an Alternative Law as an Alternative from "September 11". Law as an Alternative Chomsky points to criminal investigation, evidence, and trial as practical alternatives to indiscriminate force.

Law as an Alternative from "September 11". Law as an Alternative Chomsky points to criminal investigation, evidence, and trial as practical alternatives to indiscriminate force.

Law as an Alternative Chomsky points to criminal investigation, evidence, and trial as practical alternatives to indiscriminate force. Existing Precedents He cites the response to the IRA and the prosecution after Oklahoma City. Justice with Restraint Law can punish those responsible while avoiding collective harm to innocent populations.

Humanitarian Responsibility Humanitarian Responsibility from "September 11". Humanitarian Responsibility Chomsky argues that states must not cut off food and aid to a population facing famine.

Humanitarian Responsibility from "September 11". Humanitarian Responsibility Chomsky argues that states must not cut off food and aid to a population facing famine.

Humanitarian Responsibility Chomsky argues that states must not cut off food and aid to a population facing famine. Civilian Need Afghans’ vulnerability makes continued relief essential regardless of military aims. Credibility at Stake Humanitarian language is meaningful only when policies actually protect people in danger.

Public Pressure Public Pressure from "September 11". Public Pressure Chomsky believes organized public opinion can push governments toward more humane policy.

Public Pressure from "September 11". Public Pressure Chomsky believes organized public opinion can push governments toward more humane policy.

Public Pressure Chomsky believes organized public opinion can push governments toward more humane policy. Democratic Influence Citizens may affect whether leaders choose legal cooperation or large-scale violence. Sustained Effort That influence requires continued discussion rather than retreat into silence.

An Open Future An Open Future from "September 11". An Open Future The book ends without certainty about long-term consequences but insists that outcomes remain politically shaped.

An Open Future from "September 11". An Open Future The book ends without certainty about long-term consequences but insists that outcomes remain politically shaped.

An Open Future The book ends without certainty about long-term consequences but insists that outcomes remain politically shaped. Responsibility of Power Powerful states must justify threats of violence and accept the same principles they impose on others. Conditional Hope A less violent future depends on law, honest historical inquiry, and a public willing to demand consistency.

September 2001

September 20–22, 2001

September and October 2001

As the coalition debate unfolds in autumn 2001

In the final postface