Obadiah Mailafia
THERE are great nations and there are mediocre ones. There are also run-of-the-mill nations as well as outright failed states. Echoing the inimitable language of the English playwright William Shakespeare, we could say that some nations are born great; some achieve greatness; while yet others have greatness thrust upon them. It might not be that easy defining what constitutes a great nation. But we know it when we see it.
I think there is nothing controversial in saying that the United States, China, India, Britain, Japan and Germany are indeed great nations. Some would add Canada, France, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico and Brazil as runners-up. Seven elements, in my opinion, are important ingredients in the making of great nations.
First, economic prosperity is crucial. All great nations must possess a high level of economic prosperity as measured by GDP, per capita income and technological prowess. The greatest nations are also…
