Army Quote by Rebecca Solnit
“Globally, as the nation-state becomes increasingly less meaningful - a provider of positive goods and more and more just an army and some domestic enforcement - people are withdrawing to shape and support more localised forms of organisation and power. To the extent that it's part of that civilised and localising world, the same is true of the U.S.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Rise of the Local" in "Wanderlust: A History of Walking" (2020)
The quote observes that as nation‑states lose their civic role and become more militaristic, individuals turn toward smaller, community‑based structures for support and power.
In simple terms: People shift to local groups when national governments become oppressive.
Key Takeaway
Support and strengthen local networks.
Themes
community
politics
decentralization
identity
power
Mood
concerned
hopeful
critical
Type
observational
political
sociological
When to use this quote
- urban neighborhoods
- online activist groups
- mutual aid networks
- local cooperatives
- grassroots political movements
Key Concepts
social contract
localism
state legitimacy
civil society
Questions to Reflect On
- How can local groups remain inclusive?
- What risks arise when local power replaces national oversight?
A Different Perspective
If national institutions still provide essential services, local reliance may be unnecessary.
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