An interview with Noam Chomsky about the war in Ukraine, the Republican fanatics, and what has changed and not changed in US media.

Alongside the many points I agree with, or trust him to report accurately, I must point out one disagreement. Rivalry between powers over international influence or wealth, if it is short of war, morally cannot count as "provocation" for war, because losing a game of rivalry doesn't excuse starting a war.

Thus, Japan's desire to conquer China, thwarted by US economic sanctions, did not justify Japan's attack on the US. Dubya's desire for oil riches, together with power rivalry, did not justify Dubya's attack on Iraq. Likewise, the desire for a sphere of interest did not justify Putin's attack on Ukraine.