It is important to remember that some of the most serious thinkers once thought that democracy was not compatible with the cultures of Germany, Italy, Japan, Latin America and Russia.

Quote by Natan Sharansky

Topics: Natan Sharansky Quotes

The central premise behind Oslo was that if Arafat were given enough legitimacy, territory, weapons...

The central premise behind Oslo was that if Arafat were given enough legitimacy, territory, weapons...

Free societies are societies in which the right of dissent is protected.

Free societies are societies in which the right of dissent is protected.

This scepticism is the same scepticism I heard a generation ago in the USSR when...

This scepticism is the same scepticism I heard a generation ago in the USSR when...

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...

I have no doubt that given a real choice, the vast majority of Muslims and...

I have no doubt that given a real choice, the vast majority of Muslims and...

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

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

Unfortunately, little attention was paid to how Arafat ruled. In fact, some saw the harsh...

Unfortunately, little attention was paid to how Arafat ruled. In fact, some saw the harsh...

Japan is not a Western democracy. The Japanese have kept their traditions, culture and heritage,...

Japan is not a Western democracy. The Japanese have kept their traditions, culture and heritage,...

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...

The only peace that can be made with a dictator is once that must be...

The only peace that can be made with a dictator is once that must be...

There were no dissidents then in the USSR because they were all killed.

There were no dissidents then in the USSR because they were all killed.

Believe me, the drug of freedom is universally potent.

Believe me, the drug of freedom is universally potent.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...