Authority has to exist before it can be limited, and it is authority that is in scarce supply in those modernizing countries where government is at the mercy of alienated intellectuals, rambunctious colonels, and rioting students.

The quote by Ferdinand Marcos suggests that authority must first be established before it can be properly limited. Marcos argues that in many modernizing countries, government lacks the strong, centralized authority needed to function effectively, often being undermined by alienated intellectuals, military leaders (like rambunctious colonels), and rioting students. These forces challenge the government, destabilizing the system and making it difficult for authority to be exercised or regulated. Essentially, Marcos highlights the importance of a firm and stable foundation of power before attempting to impose limitations on it.

Ferdinand Marcos, the 10th President of the Philippines, ruled for over two decades, and his quote reflects his authoritarian style of governance. He often faced challenges from opposition groups, including student movements and the military, which sought to question or challenge his authority. In this statement, Marcos is emphasizing the difficulties that governments in developing nations face when they struggle to assert their authority, as they are often vulnerable to internal opposition from those who disagree with the political establishment.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Marcos's broader political philosophy, where he justified the need for strong centralized power in countries that were struggling with instability and division. Marcos often viewed military rule and authoritarianism as necessary tools to maintain order in the face of what he saw as chaotic social and political movements. In this context, his statement seeks to explain the necessity of establishing authority before attempting any democratic limits on power.

In a broader context, Marcos's words reflect the struggle of many countries undergoing political transition or modernization, where the government is often weak and unable to effectively assert control. His quote also touches on the tension between government authority and opposition forces, particularly in societies where traditional power structures are challenged by social movements. Marcos's view advocates for the centralization of power as a precursor to more orderly governance, even if it requires suppressing dissent in the process.