Book review of Killing Democracy by Finian Cunningham, Daniel Kovalik, Jeremy Kuzmarov, KJ Noh, and Ron Ridenour
Whose democracy is truly being destroyed here? One of the most striking aspects of this revealing and sobering book is its demonstration of how efforts to undermine democracy abroad have simultaneously eroded democratic principles at home among Western elites.
From orchestrating interventions such as the overthrow of elected governments in Chile, Palestine (after Hamas won the 2005 elections), and Afghanistan (resulting in chaos), to leaving Libya in turmoil, sparking ISIS in Iraq, dismantling secular governance in Syria in favor of Al Qaida, and supporting the Ukrainian coup that provoked Russia, Western governments and their mainstream media allies have flagrantly disregarded the desires of both local populations and their own citizens. As has been noted, “only in a democracy can leaders totally ignore public feeling.”
This work exposes the layers of deception—and self-deception—employed by Western elites and their media operatives to conceal the harsh realities behind their interventions, power grabs, and regime topplings. At its core, the agenda is driven by blatant self-interest (often misguided), moral grandstanding, geopolitical goals, and national narratives rooted in militarism, nationalism, and exceptionalism.
On a more optimistic note, the book explores how democratic ideals often resist control, as actions by Western powers provoke counteractions. This dynamic is visible in the rise of independent media challenging entrenched, outdated mainstream outlets, the awakening political consciousness within the Global South, and the widespread democratization of information technology (social media) and weapons systems (such as drones).
The timing of this publication could not be more apt. With Trump seemingly intent on reviving the Monroe Doctrine, attempting regime change in Venezuela, and backing efforts to recolonize Gaza, it reminds us that despite rhetoric about progress, the imperialistic impulses of the US stubbornly endure.
Additionally, this era marks a peak in threats to one of democracy’s pillars: free speech. Under the pretext of combating “disinformation” (a label applied by elites to suppress dissenting views), European journalists and politicians like Britain’s George Galloway face intimidating counter-terrorism measures at airports. Analysts such as the Swiss Jacques Baud are financially crippled by sanctions imposed unilaterally by undemocratic institutions like the European Commission, and most knowledgeable voices in international affairs are marginalized from mainstream media and publishing platforms.
Grab a copy of this book promptly—and keep it hidden—before the thought police come knocking!
Killing Democracy: Western Imperialism’s Legacy of Regime Change and Media Manipulation
About the Author
