Author(s): Natan Sharansky with Ron Dermer

Current Affairs

Sharansky, one of the most outspoken and original politicians, commentators and activists in the West argues that democracy is no longer about left and right but about right and wrong.
This book is written with vigor, argued with panache and imbued with the fierce conviction of a man who grew up in a society where "every typewriter had to be registered with the authorities".' - New York Times



Natan Sharansky believes that the truest expression of democracy is the ability to walk into the middle of a town square and say whatever you like without fear of arrest or imprisonment. He should know. A dissident in the Soviet Union, Sharansky was jailed for nine years for asserting his right to speak freely.

Since his release and emigration to Israel in 1986, Sharansky has been a deputy prime minister of the Knesset, leader of the party of Russian immigrants, and minister for Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs. Drawing on a lifetime of experience of democracy and its absence, Sharansky asserts that politics is no longer a matter of left and right, but of right and wrong. Politics must face up to moral responsibility and make hard choices
it is only democracy that can safeguard the wellbeing of societies.

This is a passionately argued book from a man who carries unequivocal authority to make the case he does here. With democracy robustly in place, societies will thrive and nations will be respected. Its absence is a fatal moral flaw. His argument is sure to stir controversy on all sides
his opinions will be studied at the highest levels of government policymaking.

Table of Contents:
Contents



Preface

Introduction

1 Is Freedom for everyone?

2 A free society and a fear society

3 Dognat Y Peregnat

4 Mission Impossible

5 From Helsinki to Oslo

6 The battle for moral clarity

7 A missed opportunity

Conclusion

Notes

Acknowledgements

Index
About the Author:
Natan Sharansky is a former Soviet dissident, political prisoner, and human rights icon who has spent his life championing democracy and freedom. He recently resigned as the Minister for Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs in the Israeli Government.