We may anticipate a state of affairs in which two Great Powers will each be in a position to put an end to the civilization and life of the other though not without risking its own. We may be likened to two scorpion in a bottle, each capable of killing he other, but only at risk of his own life
Who:
When:
what:
Why:
It is difficult to determine the specific individuals or countries being referred to in the statement without further context. However, it is likely referencing two major global powers, such as the United States and Russia during the Cold War era or potentially any two nations with significant military capabilities and tensions between them.
The timeframe for when this scenario might occur could vary depending on the geopolitical context. As mentioned before, it could refer to the Cold War period (1947-1991), but it could also apply to any period where two powers have the ability to inflict serious harm upon each other and are engaged in a tense standoff.
The "what" in this context likely refers to the potential for these two Great Powers to engage in a mutually-destructive conflict that could result in the destruction of civilization and loss of life. It indicates a precarious situation where both powers possess enough military might to annihilate one another, but doing so would also lead to their own destruction.
The reason why this scenario may arise could stem from a variety of factors, including geopolitical rivalries, ideological differences, territorial disputes, or military miscalculations. Tensions and distrust between the powers may have escalated to a point where both parties feel compelled to maintain a strong military deterrent and are willing to engage in risky behavior that puts the existence of their respective civilizations at risk.