Democratic leaders, whose power is ultimately dependent on popular support, are held accountable for failing to improve the lives of their citizens. Therefore, they have a powerful incentive to keep their societies peaceful and prosperous.

Quote by Natan Sharansky

Topics: Natan Sharansky Quotes

To understand why dictators have a problem with making peace - or at least a...

To understand why dictators have a problem with making peace - or at least a...

I was inspired to write this book by those who are sceptical of the power...

I was inspired to write this book by those who are sceptical of the power...

When we are unwilling to draw clear moral lines between free societies and fear societies,...

When we are unwilling to draw clear moral lines between free societies and fear societies,...

By focusing once and for all on helping the Palestinians build a free society, I...

By focusing once and for all on helping the Palestinians build a free society, I...

The message of the free world to any potential Palestinian leadership should be a simple...

The message of the free world to any potential Palestinian leadership should be a simple...

Believe me, the drug of freedom is universally potent.

Believe me, the drug of freedom is universally potent.

In contrast, fear societies are societies in which dissent is banned.

In contrast, fear societies are societies in which dissent is banned.

It is important to remember that some of the most serious thinkers once thought that...

It is important to remember that some of the most serious thinkers once thought that...

Just as the 99% of Soviet citizens who supported the Soviet regime in 1985 was...

Just as the 99% of Soviet citizens who supported the Soviet regime in 1985 was...

Arafat rejected the deal because, as a dictator who had directed all his energies toward...

Arafat rejected the deal because, as a dictator who had directed all his energies toward...

People may believe that there can be a society where dissent is not permitted, but...

People may believe that there can be a society where dissent is not permitted, but...

By helping readers understand these mechanics, I hope they will appreciate why freedom is for...

By helping readers understand these mechanics, I hope they will appreciate why freedom is for...

Will dissent be permitted? The answer to that question will determine whether the society is...

Will dissent be permitted? The answer to that question will determine whether the society is...

I am optimistic that peace can be achieved in the region because I believe that...

I am optimistic that peace can be achieved in the region because I believe that...

Can someone within that society walk into the town square and say what they want...

Can someone within that society walk into the town square and say what they want...

My optimism is not based primarily on the successful march of democracy in recent times...

My optimism is not based primarily on the successful march of democracy in recent times...

The three main sources of scepticism are first, that not every people desires freedom; second,...

The three main sources of scepticism are first, that not every people desires freedom; second,...

The two most important things that can be done to promote democracy in the world...

The two most important things that can be done to promote democracy in the world...

It is not surprising, then, that in the decade since Oslo began, Arafat used all...

It is not surprising, then, that in the decade since Oslo began, Arafat used all...

On the other hand, if the free world is concerned with how a new Palestinian...

On the other hand, if the free world is concerned with how a new Palestinian...