The Demise of the Nation-State? Bah!
On Bellum, an interview with Amb. Ryan Crocker, who worked hand-in-hand with Gen. David Petraeus in Iraq, defeating the counter-insurgency:
The demise of the nation-state has been predicted for decades. But certainly as one looks at the Middle East region it is very much alive and well. It is striking to me that although the borders of many modern Middle Eastern countries are the result of decisions by colonial powers with which the peoples of the area had nothing to do, nonetheless they have been ready to fight and die to preserve the sanctity of those borders....No Middle Eastern borders have changed [since early in the twentieth century]. National identity within the post-World War I constructs that were determined by the colonial powers have nonetheless been absolutely solid.
The death of the nation-state. Yet another concept so obviously out of keeping with the facts that only intellectuals can believe it.
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Jul '10
Re: The Demise of the Nation-State? Bah!
I don't know, Peter. What would you say about a nation state that deliberately allows millions of foreigners to invade its borders and sap its sustenance?
Jul '10
Re: The Demise of the Nation-State? Bah!
No kidding, haven't these people ever heard of Yugoslavia?
Jul '10
Re: The Demise of the Nation-State? Bah!
Well said, Peter. Our so-called intellectual elites want to return us to the chaotic pre-Westphalian period, and our Islamist enemies want to take us all the way back to the twelfth century. If everything works out as planned, we'll get to fight the Crusades and the Thirty Years' War all over again. Whee!
Talk about learning nothing and forgetting nothing…
Aug '10
Re: The Demise of the Nation-State? Bah!
California ? move the capitol back to Auburn - start over hire Crocker to deal with US and Petraeus to deal with unions and Bremer to deal with Jaish Al - Calpers
Oct '10
Re: The Demise of the Nation-State? Bah!
To be honest, it's been our foreign policy since World War II to encourage a wealth outflow--we pretty much built the modern global economy. Only in America will you hear buisiness people justify a massive trade deficit and outflow of wealth with "but we'll be able to export to them later; it'll be awesome."
I kindof like it :) Just so long as it stops. I'm honest enough to admit I like our world today, but we have got to stop doing this and rebalance our economy. I figure, past is past; but the future has got to be growth and stability and balanced trade (and budgets).
As for illegal immigration, I suspect in a world of balanced trade and consumption, illegal immigration will become much less of a problem. Just need Congress to but that budget (trade) deficit.
May '10
Re: The Demise of the Nation-State? Bah!
Ranks up there with The End of History.
May '10
Re: The Demise of the Nation-State? Bah!
Perhaps we should close the patent office. I mean really! What else could possibly be invented?
Re: The Demise of the Nation-State? Bah!
I'd say it's a nation-state whose rulers are likely to get drubbed in the next election.
Jul '10
Re: The Demise of the Nation-State? Bah!
Exactly. I think it's an act of war.
Jun '10
Re: The Demise of the Nation-State? Bah!
Peter Robinson
I'd say it's a nation-state whose rulers are likely to get drubbed in the next election. · Nov 9 at 7:36pm
Unless, of course, the rulers are able to Smoke-and-Mirrors enough of the invaders onto the voting rolls in a few key Electoral College arenas.
Jul '10
Re: The Demise of the Nation-State? Bah!
No matter how likely the demise of our nation-state is, it says zip regarding the death of the nation-state.
Jul '10
Re: The Demise of the Nation-State? Bah!
eeyore
Peter Robinson
I'd say it's a nation-state whose rulers are likely to get drubbed in the next election. · Nov 9 at 7:36pm
Unless, of course, the rulers are able to Smoke-and-Mirrors enough of the invaders onto the voting rolls in a few key Electoral College arenas. · Nov 9 at 8:18pm
Just heard tonight that the HIspanic vote put Boxer, Reid and Bennett over the top.
Oct '10
Re: The Demise of the Nation-State? Bah!
The demise of the nation-state? As Mark Twain said, "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated".
Edited on Nov 9, 2010 at 11:07pmJul '10
Re: The Demise of the Nation-State? Bah!
I wonder how long the sleek, well-fed bureaucracy in Brussels will manage to keep all those European serfs, vassals and peasants suffocating under that growing mountain of rules and regulations. I'm thinking of those coal fires that smolder below ground for decades. One day smoke will be seen and then flames. Revolt will be caused by something small, banning haggis because it's disgusting or prescribing how many teeth a comb must have to be compliant with EU standards.
Aug '10
Re: The Demise of the Nation-State? Bah!
Well, that said we need to get to work and get the borders sealed, get the benefits flowing to the legals, and once the illegals are all gone the pressure should go off and the ice creams parlors can reopen. Now what are we going to do about MECHA, La Raza,and the unionistas ?
Edited on Nov 10, 2010 at 6:43am