Meaning: The quote "We cannot build a viable state with a country that is disintegrating into small pieces" underscores the importance of unity and cohesion within a nation. It speaks to the challenges and complexities of state-building in contexts where there are significant internal divisions and fragmentation. This quote is particularly relevant in the context of post-conflict and post-colonial societies, where the process of nation-building is often fraught with obstacles related to ethnic, religious, and political divisions.

The quote highlights the fundamental necessity of a cohesive and unified national identity as a prerequisite for the establishment of a functioning and sustainable state. It suggests that when a country is fragmented and disintegrating into smaller, disparate parts, the ability to construct a viable and robust state becomes increasingly difficult. This sentiment reflects the idea that a nation's strength and stability are contingent upon its ability to maintain a sense of unity and common purpose among its diverse population.

In the context of post-conflict societies, the quote carries significant weight as it speaks to the challenges of reconciling disparate groups and fostering a sense of national identity in the aftermath of violent conflict. In such environments, the legacy of conflict often leaves deep-seated divisions and grievances that can hinder the process of state-building. The quote emphasizes the need for concerted efforts to address these divisions and promote reconciliation in order to prevent the further disintegration of the country into smaller, fragmented entities.

Furthermore, the quote also resonates in the context of multi-ethnic and multi-religious societies, where the coexistence of diverse communities presents both opportunities and challenges for nation-building. In such societies, the need to cultivate a sense of shared citizenship and national identity becomes paramount in order to overcome divisions and build a cohesive state. The quote underscores the idea that without a unified vision and a commitment to inclusivity, the country risks fragmenting along ethnic or religious lines, undermining the prospects for sustainable state-building.

Moreover, the quote alludes to the broader geopolitical implications of internal fragmentation within a country. In an increasingly interconnected world, the stability and coherence of individual states have ramifications that extend beyond their borders. A country that is disintegrating into small pieces not only poses internal challenges but also has the potential to destabilize the wider region. This underscores the imperative for the international community to support efforts aimed at fostering unity and cohesion within fragile states, as the consequences of internal disintegration can have far-reaching effects on regional and global stability.

In conclusion, the quote "We cannot build a viable state with a country that is disintegrating into small pieces" encapsulates the profound challenges and imperatives of nation-building in contexts marked by internal divisions and fragmentation. It serves as a reminder of the critical importance of unity, reconciliation, and inclusivity in the process of state-building, highlighting the inherent interdependence between a country's internal cohesion and its prospects for sustainable development and stability. Ultimately, the quote underscores the need for concerted efforts, both domestically and internationally, to address divisions and promote a sense of common purpose and shared identity as the foundation for building viable and resilient states.