Editing Noam Chomsky (section)

== Political Activism ==

Chomsky's political work, beginning prominently with his opposition to the Vietnam War, has made him one of the most recognized public intellectuals worldwide. His essay "The Responsibility of Intellectuals" (1967) articulated obligations that academics might prefer to avoid, his subsequent work—dozens of books and countless articles—fulfilling the responsibilities he had identified. His criticism of American foreign policy, of corporate media, and of establishment intellectuals has made him controversial while earning devoted following among those who share his analysis.<ref name="smith"/>

His political views, broadly anarchist or libertarian socialist, envision societies organized without concentrated power, whether state or corporate. The Philadelphia leftist politics of his childhood, transmitted through his mother and through the immigrant socialist community, found mature expression in positions that mainstream politics has rarely accommodated. His ability to combine technical academic work with accessible political writing demonstrates range that most intellectuals cannot achieve.<ref name="barsky"/>

His influence on activist movements—from Vietnam-era protests to contemporary environmental and social justice campaigns—extends beyond his writings to the example his career provides. The Philadelphia intellectual tradition that shaped him, combining rigor with engagement, continues through work that shows no signs of slowing despite his advancing age.<ref name="smith"/>