Exploring the Geopolitics of Micro-States: Does Size Matter? || Peter Zeihan

Micro-States like Monaco and San Marino aren't often included in major geopolitical discussions, but every so often they get called up to the big leagues. Next up to the plate: San Marino.

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#microstate #monaco #sanmarino #geopolitics

[lennytheleopard]

When I worked in Liechtenstein I heard a funny story. It was said that in WW1 Liechtenstein sent 100 men off to fight in the war. No only did none of them die, but one made a friend who came back to live in Liechtenstein, so the only country to have gained men during the war rather than lost them.

[SuperPeleke]

“Oh honey. Other nations are too big for me. Your microstate is perfect for me. “

[Simple_But_Expensive]

Micro States that mattered: Malta in WWII. The defense was epic.

Other suggestions?

[acidbronson]

Swear Peter made this video just to flex on us that he’s in Monaco for lunch and we’re not 😂

[Alex_Plante]

Many of the semi-independent ones are tax and money-laundering havens, especially the British-owned Islands that are not technically part of the UK, such as the Anglo-Norman Islands, Mann, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands. The are one of the reasons the City of London is such an important financial centre.

[ioninromania]

Microstates really don’t play a role…
Laughs in Vatican😂😂😂😂

[PenguinOverlord]

“It’s not the size of the state that matters, it’s how you use it.” 😂

[teekaa]

I see parallels to Delaware, Singapore and some Caribbean / Pacific islands.

[masterchinese]

I'm thinking that the Vatican is even smaller than Monaco, but somebody might have to fact check that.
Microstates are also useful for places like Taiwan, who can get a vote in the UN. The dwindling list of countries that have relations with Taipei are all very tiny (like the Vatican).

[caseyallred]

Had the luck to visit San Marino in my time through Italy and it is an absolutely magical place. To hear that Russia is using it for their usual slimy subterfuge breaks my heart, Russia ruins all it touches

[SeedsofJoy]

does singapore count? an amazing microstate with very high standard of living.

[lukecaldwell]

For me Russia had always been synonymous with alcoholism, gangsterism and violence, general poor performance is the latest addition to that.

[benc]

Peter's carbon footprint must be huge 😂

[catac]

0:07 Money laundering aka offshore paradise also applies to small states like Luxembourg or Cyprus or Gibraltar

[mrgyani]

Hey Peter, could you do a similar video on landlocked states?

[JMMRanMA]

I hope you enjoyed your trip, PZ. I've been through Monaco [non-stop], but I don't gamble and it's too rich for my blood. I much preferred Marseilles. I had dinner in Liechtenstein, Käsespätzle is heavy and definitely an acquired taste; unfortunately the castle was off limits to tourists. San Marino was a very expensive tourist trap where they gouge tourists even on postage stamps, so I neither ate nor bought anything. Andorra was better, but still a tourist trap. Being between Spain and France, jointly administered by both [sort of], the food and beverage were excellent and the accommodations good. Needles to say I spent one holiday visiting small countries. Luxembourg is very interesting. I heard conversations in which three languages were being spoken. The stamps were not treated like souvenirs and when I asked if the postal official would prefer my native English or my poor high school German he chose the latter. I remember the accommodations, food and wine being good but they became very pricey by my last trip when the exchange rate was against the US Dollar.

[hungo]

Micro-states are easily annexed by larger empires if they are not vassal states. They are merely competent enough to really matter on the global scale because of the measly land mass.

[richardjones]

Favorite lunch in Italy? Mine is caprice salad … oh those tomatoes with basil and olive oil with mozzarella and prosciutto

[joeyjojojunior]

1:37 San Marino is awesome. Lots of Russian menus there and in Remini too

[BartekJarecki]

Malta, another microstate, is a shelter for lots of russian oligarchs and diplomats. All you need is to invest around 700k EUR in real estate and you are granted Maltese citizenship.