The quote from James L. Stokesbury's "A Short History of World War II" reflects on the post-war status of France and Britain. Although both countries emerged victorious from the conflict, their continued status as great powers was not entirely earned through strength or capability but rather was a result of the circumstances of the war.

Stokesbury implies that the perceived power of these nations was somewhat misleading. Their position on the global stage was more about surviving the war than showcasing genuine strength and fortitude. This indicates that their influence might have been more superficial than substantive in the aftermath of World War II.