We stand for organized terror - this should be frankly…
“We stand for organized terror - this should be frankly admitted. Terror is an absolute necessity during times of revolution. Our aim is to fight against the enemies of the Soviet Government and of the new order of life. We judge quickly. In most cases only a day passes between the apprehension of the criminal and his sentence. When confronted with evidence criminals in almost every case confess; and what argument can have greater weight than a criminal's own confession.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote justises terror as an essential, swift tool for revolutionary justice, emphasizing rapid judgment and forced confessions to eliminate enemies of the new regime.
In simple terms: Revolutionary terror as a necessary, expedient means of control.
Key Takeaway
Terror is portrayed as indispensable for consolidating power.
Themes
political violence
authoritarianism
revolutionary justice
state security
psychological coercion
Mood
stern
ominous
determined
Type
political manifesto
propaganda
When to use this quote
- post-revolutionary consolidation
- counterinsurgency operations
- political purges
- state security crackdowns
Key Concepts
terrorism
judicial expediency
confession under duress
ideological purity
Practical Applications
- justifying state-sponsored violence
- deterring dissent
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the use of terror affect long-term stability?
- What moral limits, if any, exist for revolutionary justice?