Jonathan Sumption

A written constitution is no defence against authoritarian government

Linda Colley describes countless constitutions filled with laudable provisions — which could be subverted entirely legally by any autocratic ruler

The first constitution of Saint-Domingue, in 1801, abolished slavery and established Toussaint l’Ouverture as Governor for Life. Credit: Bridgeman Images
  • Comments

  • The Gun, the Ship and the Pen: Warfare, Constitutions and the Making of the Modern World

    Linda Colley

    Profile Books, pp. 512, £25

Already a subscriber? Log in

This article is for subscribers only

Subscribe today to get 3 months' delivery of the magazine, as well as online and app access, for only £3.

  • Weekly delivery of the magazine
  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828

Read next

Trending

More on authoritarianism

Also by Jonathan Sumption

Latest

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in