[August 5, 2018] I like explanative ideas that deviate from the norm yet also provide a surprising accounting of relevant socio-political phenomenon. A few months ago in a New York Post article, Ralph Peters wrote in an opinion piece giving his thoughts on why so many countries prefer tyranny over democracy. This is why I’m a fan of his; few people ask hard questions anymore.
I like the way Peters thinks and his ability to explain dynamic issues without making them overly complex or protracted. I wrote about his abilities in an article last year and, at the time, noted that Ralph Peters is an “unconventional, out-of-the-box thinker” who holds high allegiance to the U.S. and its people.
Peters notes that tyranny is on the rise for two basic reasons. First he notes that tyrants (especially those that follow communism) realized that spying on, imprisoning, and killing their citizens for private remarks against the regime was not working well. They have a sort of unwritten “agreement” to only destroy those citizens who openly and publically criticize the government. If you do it in private, that is now okay.
“Tyrants offer certainty. All you have to do is let them run things. It’s a deal too many humans gladly embrace.”- Ralph Peters1
Second, he believes that tyranny is on the rise because of basic human nature. People want security, certainty, and predictability; anything that threatens it is too risky and should be excised from society. Freedom is at the top of the list of threats to security. They see democracies as chaotic, bizarre, and insecure. They’ve seen the results of nations that recently adopted democratic forms of government and the results have not been good.
Ralph Peters considers this a very dangerous trend for the United States due to the outside threat. However, he believes that the U.S. Constitution is a major barrier against the slide toward tyranny despite those who cherry pick and distort our Constitution. Those who have impatience with our laws and culture will always be there but we should “stop whining and be grateful for the freedoms we enjoy.”
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Another great opportunity to learn about senior leadership is through Lt Col Peters articles and books. Thanks for putting his information out for us to see.
For those of you who have never read Ralph Peters articles, you have missed out on a lot. His history is very interesting and, in part, explains his patriotic orientation. He is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, Military Intelligence. He was known for having a special knack for figuring out what the bad guys were doing. It was sad that he left the Army and moved into the private sector as an independent writer. However, we have all gained from his now public writing on many political issues.
Good points Edward. Always a pleasure to read your perspective on things along with our many commentators here at theLeaderMaker.com
From an old Texan, thanks for the information on LTC Peters. Good man!
Thank you General Satterfield for putting me on to Ralph Peters. I searched the web as others suggested and found a wealth of his writings. After reading a couple of them, I think he now has a big fan in me.
There are not many people like mr. peters. He is a great thinker of our times but doesn’t get the real credit due him. I think the reason is that he rubs people the wrong way with his emotional (but fact-based) arguments. It is like arguing with a pig; the pig loves it and everyone gets dirty.
I’ve been a reader of Lt Col Peters for a long time. For those who missed out on him, I do recommend a thorough search of the Internet to find his many articles and a few books. I also read his fiction books but he is at his best in the political sphere.
Spot on. 😉
I never heard of this guy before but thanks for educating me about this thinking abilities. I’ll be reading more about him. Thanks.
Nice article for my Sunday morning read. Thanks.
I’m surprised at how ‘out of the box’ thinking he does at times. Sometimes, to me, it seems like he takes the opposite view from commonsense and turns it around into something that makes good sense through the use of logic and historical examples.
Here’s a pretty decent bio on him. Recommended reading.
http://www.fampeople.com/cat-ralph-peters
A fine gentleman and patriot. Lt Colonel Peters should be commended for his works and service to his country. Others should pay close attention to this man. If you live anywhere in a free country, he is the man to read. If you live under tyranny you should worship him.
Good comment and great observation about RP.
I agree with you Gen. Satterfield that Ralph Peters is a ‘thinker of geostrategic issues.’ I’ve also read his stuff and while sometimes it seems off the wall, it always makes good sense and practical advice he gives is worth it.
I went to the article but had to read it a couple of times before I got his full meaning. What we are seeing across the globe in the progress of tyranny is scary but those under tyrannical rule are the real losers. As much as many in the US want to go the same way, shows how our education system is failing to teach values.
Good point Janna. Sad but true what you have to say.
Yes, I too agree. The role of free peoples is to work toward the freedom of others.
Good article on a really true patriot.
I read a number of Ralph Peters articles back in Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS. Those were good times and we got to discuss them at length. He is a smart man.