Meaning: The quote you've provided is a thought-provoking statement by the renowned Portuguese writer Jose Saramago. This quote highlights the global dominance and military presence of the United States. Saramago's questions challenge the common perception of military power and invite the audience to consider the asymmetrical distribution of military bases around the world.

In the first question, "How many countries have military bases in the United States?" Saramago draws attention to the presence of foreign military installations within the United States. This question challenges the conventional understanding of military power and sovereignty, prompting the audience to consider the extent to which the United States allows other countries to establish military bases within its borders. The question also raises the issue of reciprocity in international military relations, as it is commonly understood that the United States maintains a significant number of military bases in numerous countries around the world.

The second question posed by Saramago, "In how many countries does the United States not have military bases?" draws attention to the global reach of U.S. military presence. By asking this question, Saramago prompts the audience to consider the extent to which the United States projects its military power and influence on a global scale. The implication of this question is that the United States maintains a significant military presence in a vast number of countries, raising important questions about the impact of such presence on international relations, sovereignty, and security dynamics.

Saramago's questions serve as a critique of the global military dominance of the United States and the implications of such dominance for global geopolitics. By framing these questions, he challenges the audience to critically examine the asymmetrical distribution of military power and the impact of U.S. military presence on international relations.

The quote reflects Saramago's broader critique of power dynamics and his commitment to raising awareness about global issues. Throughout his literary works, Saramago often addressed social and political issues, using his writing to provoke thought and stimulate critical reflection on the world around us. As a Nobel Prize-winning author, Saramago's words carry weight and significance, prompting readers to engage with complex geopolitical realities and power structures.

In conclusion, Jose Saramago's quote challenges the audience to critically examine the global military presence of the United States and the asymmetrical distribution of military power. Through his thought-provoking questions, Saramago invites us to consider the implications of such dominance on international relations and global security dynamics. This quote serves as a powerful reminder of the complex and interconnected nature of global power dynamics and the need for critical reflection on the role of military power in shaping the world we live in.