The Case For Democracy: The Power of Freedom to Overcome Tyranny and Terror

Overview

Natan Sharansky, a former Soviet dissident and political prisoner, lays out a moral and practical argument for why democracy promotion should be central to foreign policy. He frames freedom not simply as an ethical goal but as a strategic necessity for global security, arguing that tyrannies breed instability and export violence, while free societies are less likely to produce or support terrorism. The book blends personal experience with policy prescriptions aimed at reshaping the post-9/11 international agenda.

Core argument

Sharansky insists that political freedom is the single best long-term defense against tyranny and terror. Authoritarian systems, by suppressing dissent and fostering grievance, create fertile ground for extremism; democracies, by contrast, provide channels for peaceful change, protect basic rights, and reduce incentives for violent opposition. He challenges approaches that prioritize short-term stability over long-term liberty, maintaining that appeasing or accommodating dictators ultimately undermines security.

Framework and tools

To move from principle to policy, Sharansky proposes a clear framework for distinguishing free societies from repressive ones and for tailoring international responses accordingly. He argues for a systematic way of assessing regimes based on political rights and civic freedoms, and for aligning diplomatic, economic, and moral pressure with measurable goals. The recommended toolkit emphasizes a mix of incentives and sanctions, external support for civil society and independent institutions, and an international coalition that privileges cooperation among democracies.

Moral and strategic dimensions

Sharansky merges his moral conviction with realist calculation, insisting that democracy promotion is both righteous and pragmatic. He draws on his own history of imprisonment and activism to humanize repression and to show the resilience of democratic impulses under duress. At the same time, he articulates how free societies tend to be more transparent, accountable, and less prone to radicalize their citizens, making the spread of freedom an investment in global peace and predictability.

Policy implications and prescriptions

Practical recommendations include prioritizing human rights in diplomatic relations, using conditional engagement to reward reform, and offering tangible support for opposition movements and independent media. Sharansky urges clarity: democracies should openly distinguish between allies that respect freedom and regimes that do not, and should be willing to bear short-term costs to promote long-term stability. He also advocates creating international mechanisms that amplify reformers' voices and isolate persistent repressors.

Reception and caveats

The argument attracted significant attention in the debates over post-9/11 strategy, influencing policymakers who favored proactive democracy promotion. Supporters praised its moral clarity and operational focus; critics warned that democratization can be messy, that external pressure sometimes backfires, and that transitional instability can create new dangers. Sharansky acknowledges challenges but insists that tolerating tyranny poses greater long-term risks than confronting it.

Conclusion

Sharansky presents a forceful plea for making freedom the cornerstone of foreign policy, arguing that democratic governance is the most reliable bulwark against terror and tyranny. Combining personal testimony with a pragmatic policy agenda, the work seeks to reorient international priorities toward institutions and rights that foster resilience and reduce the appeal of violence. The central claim is stark: advancing liberty is both a moral imperative and a pragmatic path to a safer world.