Non-democratic regimes always need to mobilize their people against external enemies in order to maintain internal stability.

Quote by Natan Sharansky

Topics: Natan Sharansky Quotes

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...

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...

Democratic leaders, whose power is ultimately dependent on popular support, are held accountable for failing...

Democratic leaders, whose power is ultimately dependent on popular support, are held accountable for failing...

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...

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...

Only weeks after Oslo began, when nearly all the world and most of Israel was...

Only weeks after Oslo began, when nearly all the world and most of Israel was...

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...

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,...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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

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

Intellect does not attain its full force unless it attacks power.

Intellect does not attain its full force unless it attacks power.

The rightful claim to dissent is an existential right of the individual.

The rightful claim to dissent is an existential right of the individual.

A free society cherishes nonconformity. It knows that from the non-conformist, from the eccentric, have...

A free society cherishes nonconformity. It knows that from the non-conformist, from the eccentric, have...