Bigness Quote by George F. Kennan
“We are, if territory and population be looked at together, one of the great countries of the world - a monster country, one might say, along with others such as China, India, the recent Soviet Union, and Brazil. And there is a real question as to whether "bigness" in a body politic is not an evil in itself, quite aside from the policies pursued in its name.”
About This Quote
Source Essay, 1950s, Cold War analysis
Large nations may suffer inherent problems beyond their policies, suggesting size can be a liability.
In simple terms: Size can be a political problem.
Key Takeaway
Consider limits of national scale.
Themes
politics
geopolitics
national size
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- strategic planning
- international relations
- public discourse
Key Concepts
statecraft
political theory
macro‑economics
Questions to Reflect On
- Is bigness always detrimental?
- How do we mitigate the downsides of large states?
A Different Perspective
Large size also brings resources and influence that can be advantageous.
