The Americas, both North and South, have been in motion with elections and political shifts that Noam Chomsky explores here with his characteristic independence and insight.

"Popular activism has repeatedly brought about substantial gains in freedom and justice," he writes. "The authentic hope of the Obama campaign is that the 'grass roots army' organized to take instructions from the leader might 'break free' and return to 'old ways of doing politics,' by direct participation in action."

In Latin America, Bolivia and Haiti in particular, Chomsky shows how direct participation in action has put into practice a different model of democracy. We have much to learn from these struggles, which could portend more far-reaching, badly needed changes.

"During the past decade, Latin America has become the most exciting region of the world," he explains. "For the first time in half a millennium, South America is beginning to take its fate into its own hands."

At stake is the question of the very nature of democracy.

"Washington has supported democracy if and only if it contributes to strategic and economic interests, a policy that continues without change through all administrations, to the present," he explains.

Professor emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Noam Chomsky is widely regarded to be one of the foremost critics of US foreign policy in the world. He has published numerous groundbreaking books, articles, and essays on global politics, history, and linguistics. Among his recent books are The New York Times bestsellers Hegemony or Survival and Failed States.