But I'd also say that great powers can afford for now to go it alone. They have the market size, the military capacity and the leverage to dictate terms. Middle powers do not. But When we only negotiate bilaterally with a hegemon, we negotiate from weakness. We accept what's offered. We compete with each other to be the most accommodating. This is not sovereignty. It's the performance of sovereignty while accepting subordination. (14:41–14:47)
CLAIM
Asserts that bilateral negotiations with dominant powers put smaller nations at a disadvantage.
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