I was inspired to write this book by those who are sceptical of the power of freedom to change the world. Natan Sharansky bookchangefreedom Change image and share on social
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. Natan Sharansky americacompatibleculture Change image and share on social
Only weeks after Oslo began, when nearly all the world and most of Israel was drunk with the idea of peace, I argued that a Palestinian society not constrained by democratic norms would be a fear society that would pose a grave threat to Israel. Natan Sharansky arguebeginconstrain share on social
Non-democratic regimes always need to mobilize their people against external enemies in order to maintain internal stability. Natan Sharansky democraticenemyexternal Change image and share on social
Free societies are societies in which the right of dissent is protected. Natan Sharansky dissentfreeprotect Change image and share on social
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. Natan Sharansky accountablecitizendemocratic share on social
When we are unwilling to draw clear moral lines between free societies and fear societies, when we are unwilling to call the former good and the latter evil, we will not be able to advance the cause of peace because peace cannot be disconnected from freedom. Natan Sharansky advancecallclear share on social
In contrast, fear societies are societies in which dissent is banned. Natan Sharansky bancontrastdissent Change image and share on social
Of course, there can be serious injustices within free societies. Natan Sharansky freeinjusticesociety Change image and share on social
The central premise behind Oslo was that if Arafat were given enough legitimacy, territory, weapons and money, he would use his power to fight terror and make peace with Israel. Natan Sharansky arafatcentralfight Change image and share on social
