Sovereignty and independence, however, are not, as we have seen, essential to full nationhood, provided the nation possesses a certain amount of "home-rule" and regards the government under which it lives as a true expression of its genius and will.

For example, from 1809 till the setting in of Russian reaction in 1899, the Finnish nation enjoyed all the privileges of complete nationhood except actual sovereignty.

There is, therefore, a future for small nations, either as autonomous proteges of great powers, like Russia, or as partners in some commonwealth of nations, like the British Empire.
But there is yet another consideration to be faced.

Why, it is asked, should we trouble ourselves about the preservation of small nationalities at all?
"The State is power," and it is only the really powerful State, therefore, that can and ought to survive.

There is something laughable in the idea of a small State; it is weakness trying to pose as strength.