The Case for Democracy

The Power of Freedom to Overcome Tyranny and Terror

By: Natan Sharansky, Ron Dermer

Narrated by: Simon Vance

In this brilliantly analytical yet personal book, nondemocratic societies are put under a microscope to reveal the mechanics of tyranny that sustain them. In exposing the inner workings of a "fear society", the authors explain why democracy is not beyond any nation's reach, why it is essential for our security, and why there is much that can be done to promote it around the world.

Freedom, Sharansky claims, is rooted in the right to dissent, to walk into the town square and declare one's views without fear of punishment or reprisal. The authors persuasively argue that societies that do not protect that right can never be reliable partners for peace and that the democracy that hates us is much safer than the dictatorship that loves us.

©2004 Natan Sharansky and Ron Dermer (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"This book has the merit of straightforwardness...[it's] written with vigor, argued with panache and imbued with the fierce conviction." (The New York Times)

First hand understanding of Oslo Accord

I loved how this book properly explains how the Oslo Accord has crumbled.
It's easier for me to understand the turmoil between Israel and Palestine.

This book is more educating than political and I highly recimmend you read it.

The finest book I have read in many years!!

Every American interested in justice and reason in our complicated world situation should read this book once a year.
The hero, (Author) Natan Sharansky, was a russian political prisoner for years, for trumped and totally false charges precipitated because he was a Russian of Jewish decent, who had the courage to speak out carefully for hman rights.
He has been active in Isreal since his release in 1986, and has been deeply involved in the peace efforts since that time. His insight and integrity are unimpeachable.
This book is POWERFULLL!!
After reading just a bit, I stopped, and did an extensive internet search concerning his life, activities, and character...and,..I was rewarded and frankly tranfixed by his marvelous mind and moral integrity.
Please read this book. It is impossible to put down!
Simon Vance, the reader, happens to be the finest voice on audible to date..as well!
Simon really does read many of the finest books on the audible site.
Bless both the writer and the reader!

A great reminder of why freedom is so important.

Americans, as a whole, don't put a lot of value on their freedom. The saying, "You never know what you have until you've lost it," could become our mantra here in this country if we don't start taking our freedom seriously.

The author of this book knows first-hand what it is like to be deprived of personal freedom and knows what the high cost of freedom is. After serving many years in the Soviet gulag on trumped up charges, he was released and has spent his time championing the causes of the oppressed peoples throughout the world.

We should listen to him and take heed in what he says lest we let our current free society silently slide into a fear society.

Listen to this book and pass it along!

I think it was good?

I always enjoy a good semi-autobiography. I feel there were enough historical references peppered in to keep it from being an unanchored fiction, but I probably would've enjoyed 'Fear No Evil' instead.

insightful beyond belief

I have never read a book so insightful and meaningful. if you have not read this book yet, you are missing a key piece of the puzzle