Country Quote by Barack Obama
“Think about it: Iran, Cuba, Venezuela. These countries are tiny compared to the Soviet Union. They don't pose a serious threat to us the way the Soviet Union posed a threat to us.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Foreign Policy, Barack Obama, 2015
Comparing small nations to a former superpower, the speaker argues they pose less strategic danger.
In simple terms: Small states are less threatening than a superpower.
Assess threats based on capability, not size.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- military planning
- diplomatic negotiations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What factors beyond size affect a country's threat level?
- How should policy adapt to asymmetric threats?
Overlooking non‑military influences can misjudge a nation's impact.