Difficult Quote by Henry A. Kissinger
“Before there was the Soviet Union that could inflame matters. Now you have states not as powerful as the Soviet Union, but states like Iraq, like Iran, and to some extent Syria, having made it possible for some of these groups to operate. So it is a very difficult situation.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Middle Eastern geopolitics, 1990s
The fragmentation of power after the USSR’s collapse created multiple regional states that enable extremist groups, making the security landscape more complex and volatile.
In simple terms: Post‑USSR breakup lets smaller states host dangerous groups, raising instability.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how power vacuums foster new threats.
Themes
geopolitics
security
regionalism
Mood
concerned
analytical
Type
political
strategic
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- counter‑terrorism planning
- diplomatic negotiations
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
state fragility
non‑state actors
power vacuum
Questions to Reflect On
- How do regional powers fill the security gaps left by larger states?
- What strategies can mitigate the rise of non‑state threats?
A Different Perspective
Smaller states may lack capacity to control extremist groups effectively.
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
![“Before the Freedom of Information Act, I used to say at meetings "The illegal we do immediately. The unconstitutional takes a little longer." [...] But since the Freedom of Information Act, I'm afraid to say things like that.” quote by Henry A. Kissinger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6dc/henry-a-kissinger-1068_freedom_before-the-freedom-of-information-act-i_25339.jpg)
