Becoming Quote by William J. Clinton
“There are a lot of very brilliant people who believe that the nation-state is fast becoming a relic of the past,”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks at the 1998 World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland
The quote warns that many intellectuals think nation‑states will soon disappear, but this view may overlook their continued relevance.
In simple terms: Brilliant people think nation‑states may become obsolete.
Question the assumption that nation‑states are outdated.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- academic conferences
- public discourse
- international negotiations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How quickly could nation‑states actually lose influence?
- What factors could preserve them?
The quote may overstate the speed of change and ignore regional variations.