“Democratic nations must try to find ways to starve the terrorist and the hijacker of the oxygen of publicity on which they depend.”
- October 13, 1925 – April 8, 2013
- British
- Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Politician, “The Iron Lady”
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Quote
“Democratic nations must try to find ways to starve the terrorist and the hijacker of the oxygen of publicity on which they depend.”
Explanation
In this quote, Margaret Thatcher expresses her belief that media exposure can unintentionally empower terrorism. By referring to “the oxygen of publicity,” she suggests that terrorist acts gain influence and effectiveness not just through violence but through the public attention they generate. Thatcher’s call to “starve” them of this attention reflects her view that democratic societies must be cautious about how they report on and respond to such acts, lest they give extremists the platform they seek.
The historical context stems from the 1980s, when the UK faced intense domestic threats from the IRA (Irish Republican Army). Thatcher herself survived an IRA assassination attempt in 1984. Her approach to terrorism emphasized firm security measures and controlling the narrative, aiming to deny attackers the publicity that could further their cause or attract sympathizers. Her government even considered restricting media interviews with terrorist-linked groups under the belief that amplifying their voices could legitimize their violence.
In modern times, this quote continues to resonate, especially in the age of 24/7 media and social platforms, where extremists often exploit coverage to spread fear or recruit. Thatcher’s words serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between press freedom and national security, and the responsibility that comes with reporting acts of violence in a way that informs the public without amplifying terror.
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