Skip to content

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.” quote by Barack Obama
Download Open image
“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.”

Barack Obama

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.

Key Takeaway

Assess threats based on capability, not size.

Themes

geopolitics threat assessment foreign policy power dynamics

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

political strategic

When to use this quote

  • policy debate
  • military planning
  • diplomatic negotiations

Key Concepts

realism strategic analysis international relations

Questions to Reflect On

  • What factors beyond size affect a country's threat level?
  • How should policy adapt to asymmetric threats?
A Different Perspective

Overlooking non‑military influences can misjudge a nation's impact.

3.9 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Barack Obama

Explore all 3,625 Barack Obama quotes

More Country quotes

Browse all 29,423 Country quotes