Changed Quote by Daniel Patrick Moynihan
“So many of the new nations which were established as democracies after the second world war, during the decolonizing process, have now changed their system to state-socialism. Small elites run them, and they aren't sharing societies. They aren't even socialist. The power of the state has been merged with business property and you have the greatest concentration of power that's possible.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Post‑World War II Decolonization, 1970s
The quote observes that many post‑war democracies turned into state‑socialist regimes where elites dominate, merging state power with business, resulting in extreme concentration of authority.
In simple terms: New democracies became elite‑run state‑socialist systems with concentrated power.
Key Takeaway
Beware the merger of state and business power.
Themes
politics
economics
history
power
elite dominance
Mood
cautious
critical
analytical
Type
political
historical
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- academic research
- government reform
- civil society activism
Key Concepts
state capitalism
authoritarianism
elite capture
decolonization
institutional decay
Questions to Reflect On
- How can civil society counter elite capture?
- What safeguards prevent state‑business mergers?
A Different Perspective
The analysis may overlook successful mixed economies or reforms that reduced elite control.
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