ABSTRACT
The simultaneity of ideological conquest and territorial captivity merits a closer examination of what may happen to universalistic creeds when they are transferred from the pulpits, coffeehouses, or conspiratorial cells to the battlefield of practical politics. Given the variety of national histories, experiences, and political cultures, one single worldwide upheaval of human values and aspiration in every country and every comer of the world has proved evidently impossible. When leaders of ideologies attain power, it is the primary and imperative need to preserve that power and use it, rather than the inherent hypocrisy of the leaders, that makes them relegate some of their erstwhile ideals to the role of decorative although useful accessories. The adoption or rejection of many policies is often justified by references to moral or religious commandments; a close examination of the real motives may reveal that the decision was reached on other than moral grounds.
