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It is in war that the State really comes into its own: swelling in power, in number, in pride, in absolute dominion over the economy and the society.

Never underestimate the power of the State to act out its own massive fantasies.

As anyone familiar with my scholarship knows, I am not a huge fan of inherent powers in most contexts.

The idea of the state is, or should be, a very limited, prescribed idea. The state looks after the defense of the realm, and other matters - raising revenue to pay for things which are for all of us, and so on. That idea has turned turtle now. The state isn't any longer perceived as an institution which exists to serve us.

Power must be used, but it must be tempered by soul-searching and the recognition of our human capacity for error. That is the maxim that should inform our approach to every challenge, from reforming state government to engaging in foreign affairs.

Even a superpower has limits.

The increase of territory and power of empires by force of arms has been the policy of all great powers, and it has always been possible to get the approval of their state religion.

You see, greatness for a state doesn't require some huge monument for all to see. It is not a journey to a particular destination - but a commitment to follow a course of constant and never-ending improvement.

Powerful states can maintain themselves only by crime, little states are virtuous only by weakness.

I believe nobody is stronger than the state. So the state would be strong, and we have to work altogether to make the strength of the state.