February 20, 2012

Quotable Quote: Thomas Schelling

[The] tyrant and his subjects are in somewhat symmetrical positions. They can deny him most of what he wants — they can, that is, if they have the disciplined organization to refuse collaboration. And he can deny them just about everything they want — he can deny it by using the force at his command. . . . They can deny him the satisfaction of ruling a disciplined country, he can deny them the satisfaction of ruling themselves. . . . It is a bargaining situation in which either side, if adequately disciplined and organized, can deny most of what the other wants, and it remains to see who wins.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

The regime can cheat and lie and manipulate if they so desire. The only question the people need to ask themselves in relation to that, is "Are we going to help them do it?"