What kind of thinking do you mean? > The UK was in 1900, and remains today, a prosperous country where almost all citizens can live happy and fulfilling lives.

What kind of thinking do you mean? > The UK was in 1900, and remains today, a prosperous country where almost all citizens can live happy and fulfilling lives. I would not at all categorize the UK like that. But I do agree that what makes a country "great" is not territorial claims.