Believe me, the drug of freedom is universally potent.

Non-democratic regimes always need to mobilize their people against external enemies in order to maintain internal stability.

It is important to remember that some of the most serious thinkers once thought that democracy was not compatible with the cultures of Germany, Italy, Japan, Latin America and Russia.

Unfortunately, little attention was paid to how Arafat ruled. In fact, some saw the harsh and repressive nature of Arafat's regime as actually bolstering the prospects for peace.

Bush explained his fundamental concept to me, that freedom is not an American invention, but rather a gift from God to all people.

I was inspired to write this book by those who are sceptical of the power of freedom to change the world.

My optimism is not based primarily on the successful march of democracy in recent times but rather is based on the experience of having lived in a fear society and studied the mechanics of tyranny that sustain such a society.