"Powerful states can maintain themselves only by crime, little states are virtuous only by weakness"

In this quote, Bakunin is recommending that powerful states can only maintain their power through dedicating criminal activities and using force. This is because they have the resources and implies to do so. On the other hand, smaller states are only seen as virtuous because they lack the strength and resources to dedicate criminal activities and utilize force. This weak point is what prevents them from being able to preserve their power through immoral methods. Bakunin is highlighting the corrupt nature of effective states and the vulnerability of smaller states. He is likewise implying that true virtue depends on not having the methods to devote criminal offenses, rather than selecting not to do so.