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Show 276 In a closed society, tyranny often inheres in the socio-political system rather than just in the person of a particular leadero When such is the case, assassi= nation may produce little or no social change. For example, if the attempt on Hitler's life had succeeded, itvs possible that nothing would have been gained as long as the supreme command remained in the hands of those who thought and acted as he did. illustration, By way of further suppose that one of Russia's presentaday leaders were assassinated by someone outside the ruling ‘hierarchy. In all likelihood the rest of the hierarchy would reinstate the repressive measures of the Stalin era as a means of self-protectiono To effect meaningful changes under such circumstances, an assassination must be aided and abetted by those near the apex of the hierarchyo ship, Indeed, under a total dictators only those in closest contact with the tyrant can come into a position in which an attempt can be made on his life. Still another deterrent to assassination is the possibility it may only create a martyr for the cause the assassin hates, All things considered, the wouldube assassin may understandably conclude that it is better to obey |