To understand why dictators have a problem with making peace - or at least a genuine peace - the link between the nature of a regime and its external behavior must be understood.

Quote by Natan Sharansky

Topics: Dictators Quotes

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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,...

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...

Believe me, the drug of freedom is universally potent.

Believe me, the drug of freedom is universally potent.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...