Authoritarianism Quote by David Frum
“Modern authoritarianism, as it's growing inside Europe and now coming to the United States, rests much more on the use of power to protect the guilty than to persecute the innocent. And its motive is not crazy totalitarian utopianism, it's motive is repressive kleptocracy. To steal and to use the powers of the state to protect theft.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Commentary on modern authoritarian trends in Europe and the US
Authoritarianism now protects the guilty through state power, driven by kleptocratic motives rather than utopian ideals
In simple terms: Power used to shield wrongdoing, not punish innocence
Key Takeaway
Watch for power abuse and demand transparency
Themes
politics
authoritarianism
kleptocracy
Mood
cautious
concerned
Type
explanatory
critical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- civic education
- activism
- journalism
Key Concepts
state power
corruption
civil liberties
Questions to Reflect On
- How does kleptocracy differ from traditional totalitarianism?
- What safeguards can prevent power from protecting the guilty?
A Different Perspective
Complex motives may be hidden behind rhetoric
![“[On power:] Some people really have almost a disdain for that word. They feel it is alien to conscience. Power for power's sake, no. But the positive use of power for positive purposes is very important. You have to understand that. You've got to have a seat at the policy table if you want to make…” quote by Elizabeth Dole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9f8/elizabeth-dole-23351_aliens_on-power-some-people-really-have-almost_635130.jpg)
![“[democrats] hated Richard Nixon, and no wonder. It was Nixon who sent Alger Hiss to jail, and Nixon who waged the Vietnam War after the Democrats gave up,” quote by David Frum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/63d/david-frum-3455_democracy_democrats-hated-richard-nixon-and-no-won_232462.jpg)
