Terrorism takes us back to ages we thought were long gone if we allow it a free hand to corrupt democratic societies and destroy the basic rules of international life.

In this quote, Jacques Chirac expresses his concern about the destructive impact of terrorism on modern societies. He warns that if left unchecked, terrorism can regress us to a time when society’s progress—especially in democracy and international relations—was undermined by violence and instability. The phrase "ages we thought were long gone" suggests that the threat of terrorism could bring humanity back to an era of chaos and authoritarian rule, where the basic principles of governance and peace were absent.

Chirac’s statement highlights how terrorism, by its very nature, challenges the fundamental rules that uphold democratic societies and the broader system of international life. Democratic values such as freedom, tolerance, and the rule of law can be severely undermined by the violence and fear associated with terrorist acts. If terrorism is allowed to persist, it could destabilize nations and international relations, undermining global cooperation and the principles of human rights and justice that are central to the modern world.

The origin of this quote lies in Jacques Chirac’s leadership as the President of France, particularly during his time overseeing France’s involvement in global counterterrorism efforts. Chirac was a vocal critic of terrorism, especially after events like the September 11 attacks and the rise of radical extremist groups. His concerns were rooted in the belief that terrorism posed not only a threat to individual nations but also to the international system of cooperation and peace that had developed in the post-war era.

Ultimately, Chirac’s quote serves as a reminder of the broader consequences of allowing terrorism to take root in modern society. It underscores the need for collective action to counter terrorism, ensuring that it does not disrupt the stability and progress achieved by democratic societies and the global community. By drawing attention to the potential dangers of complacency, Chirac advocates for a united effort to preserve the values that define modern civilization.