Skip to content

The most extremist power any political leader can assert…

“The most extremist power any political leader can assert is the power to target his own citizens for execution without any charges or due process, far from any battlefield. The Obama administration has not only asserted exactly that power in theory, but has exercised it in practice.” quote by Glenn Greenwald
Download Open image
“The most extremist power any political leader can assert is the power to target his own citizens for execution without any charges or due process, far from any battlefield. The Obama administration has not only asserted exactly that power in theory, but has exercised it in practice.”

Glenn Greenwald

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Political leaders can wield ultimate power by executing citizens without due process, a danger that exists beyond wartime.

In simple terms: Leaders can kill citizens without legal safeguards, a grave abuse of power.

Key Takeaway

Guard against unchecked executive authority.

Themes

human rights state power legal safeguards

Mood

critical concerned

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • legislation
  • judicial oversight
  • civil liberties
  • government policy

Key Concepts

extrajudicial execution authoritarianism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards can prevent such abuses?
  • How can citizens hold leaders accountable?
A Different Perspective

Legal frameworks may be weak or ignored.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Glenn Greenwald

Explore all 270 Glenn Greenwald quotes

More Administration quotes

Browse all 1,855 Administration quotes