Chomsky’s argument in Requiem for the American Dream fits within the larger framework of anarchism—more specifically, anarcho-syndicalism, an ideology and social movement that influenced Chomsky’s philosophy and informed his broader political outlook. While historians struggle to both trace the roots and agree on a common definition of anarchism, anarcho-syndicalism is a comparatively new yet better-defined development under the umbrella of anarchism.

Chomsky’s most profound inspiration is political philosopher Rudolf Rocker’s vision for anarcho-syndicalism. In his book Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory and Practice, Rocker argues that, within a capitalist society, workers can most effectively challenge authority through forming unions and syndicates. In other words, solidarity, democracy, and direct action—which support activism and organization—are the most effective tools for workers (and other lower classes) to consolidate power.

In the preface to Rocker’s book, Chomsky reveals that the content of Rocker’s writing inspired him to envision a “much better world” as a young adult (Rocker, Anarcho-Syndicalism, vi). Profoundly moved by the ideals he found in Rocker’s writing, Chomsky believes to this day that salvation doesn’t come above but from the hard work of everyday workers struggling for liberation. Chomsky holds that this is especially true now that authorities wield enough power to annihilate humanity.