The Real Terror Network by Edward S. Herman book review by C. Kerr

The Real Terror Network has brought forth the understanding of issues in terrorism and human rights in specific to the post World War II era. Herman, formerly a professor of finance and co-author with Noam Chomsky, covers a broad spectrum of terrorist issues ranging from propaganda to injustices. He educates the reader by giving an understanding of the National Security States in mainly a Latin American context and where the United  States is heavily interested. Herman brings to light that since World War II, the growth of terrorism by states has increased enormously and that terrorism carried out by individuals – without association to states – has decreased. In addition, what is brought to surface is that terrorism is needed to carry out National Security State initiatives which includes preventing self determination for poor countries. The Real Terror Network espouses a left of center view which, interestingly, speaks equally of fact in today’s war on terror from a right of centre perspective.

Herman opens the door for the reader by ensuring that the definition of terrorism is looked at first and notes that it has not been codified even though organizations such as the Central Intelligence Agency are obliged to define terrorism for their purposes. Walter Lacquer is cited as mentioning terrorism as having a wider meaning than what is understood; at the time of publication. It is also brought to surface that state terrorism has always been with us and is historically attributed to the French revolution. Herman purports that terrorism is carried out by states, in particular to Latin America. The understanding of totalitarianism fits the National Security State model better than perceived enemy states and the acceptance of violation of human rights is inevitable of such countries. Herman brings to light that many professionals in South America have fled and that the poorer citizens have learned to cope with the social and cultural taboos that have been developed by having autocratic and authoritarian governments by proxy. Within this context he covers a political variable that is known to many socialist countries as the trade union, and uses the term Communism and reformed Kommunism; and arguing that the latter is a better option for Latin American countries. Unfortunately Red Scare tactics have been utilized to ensure that governments will respond to American interests by suppressing union activities via the media; even against pro-capital individuals who are seen as weak. These Red Scare tactics have utilized terrorist methods for state control.

In chapter two, Herman highlights the National Security State’s desire to have a new Red Scare. This was brought on because businesses and democracy were working well together, in addition to businesses helping the poor. One of the fears in the Third World was the Soviets were able to give aid as it supports its socialist objective, though was perceived as spreading communism rather than providing genuine aid. Retail terrorism, noted as a western sponsored initiative, occurred more during this time as exampled by the Cuban refugees that carried out terrorism against Cuba and US trained mafia to assassinate Fidel Castro. US policy was seen in favor of the killing of innocent civilians by Latin American states that opposed their policy. This was seen in countries such as South Africa and Israel, where Herman states that their neighbors were the victims.

 Herman notes that terrorism has been a part of National Security State policy and is a product of United States influence in foreign country affairs which include aid, training, economics to education and the expansion of American ideology. Part of the growth of state terrorism is also attributed to the media as it is able to guide bias through popular opinion; and is purposed according to the following: 1) constructive – supports US policy 2) benign – no issue, and 3) nefarious – supports the propaganda. Herman stresses that National Security State’s ignore the needs of the majority under the watchful eye of the moderate center leadership, also known as the exclusive elite who justified everything political on the basis of Communism.  

Herman brings to light the sins of nations by virtue of its involvement in political affairs including the persecution and victimization of innocent civilians. He stresses that self determination has been robbed from these countries due to such intervention. The barring of trade unions and bargaining powers of the citizens expresses the power National Security States carry forth; which he suggests is totalitarian. Herman highlights these points and his concern is that the United States perpetrates terrorism at the price of the weak, and to gain favour with businesses and the political elite. The Real Terror Network explains a left of center view which has many facts and variables to consider for policy and decision makers – in particular the human rights concerns which should not be ignored - but should be balanced with other issues such as culture and faith to be considered relevant for present day terrorism concerns.