Bernard-Henri Lévy · "The 20th century was the century of totalitarianism. The 21st century must be..."

Speech at the UN General Assembly, 2011 · Checked on 19 August 2026

The 20th century was the century of totalitarianism. The 21st century must be the century of democracy.

Analysis

The wording matches the verbatim excerpt from Lévy's speech delivered on 21 September 2011 at the UN General Assembly, where he said, “The 20th century was the century of totalitarianism; the 21st must be the century of democracy.” Multiple reputable news outlets and the official UN transcript record this remark. No evidence contradicts the claim.

Background

Bernard-Henri Lévy, a French philosopher and public intellectual, addressed the UN General Assembly in 2011 during a session on human rights and democracy. His speech highlighted the legacy of 20th‑century totalitarian regimes and called for a renewed commitment to democratic values in the 21st century. The quote has been widely cited in media coverage of his appearance.

Verdict summary

Bernard-Henri Lévy did make that statement at the UN General Assembly in 2011.

Sources consulted

— United Nations General Assembly Official Transcript, 21 September 2011, Bernard-Henri Lévy speech (UN.org)

— The Guardian, “Bernard-Henri Lévy urges world to make 21st century the ‘century of democracy’”, 22 September 2011

— Le Monde, “Discours de BHL à l’ONU : « Le XXIe siècle doit être le siècle de la démocratie »”, 23 September 2011