Action Quote by William Hague
“Governments that use violence to stop democratic development will not earn themselves respite forever. They will pay an increasingly high price for actions which they can no longer hide from the world with ease, and will find themselves on the wrong side of history.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address on democratic governance, 2023
Violent repression of democracy eventually leads to costly consequences and historical condemnation.
In simple terms: Oppressing democracy brings heavy, inevitable costs.
Expect lasting repercussions for anti‑democratic actions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government policy
- international relations
- civil society activism
- media scrutiny
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies safeguard democracy against violent suppression?
- What long‑term impacts do such actions have on a nation's legacy?
Repression may temporarily suppress dissent but cannot erase global awareness.