Great Britain or Little England?

From the Ethel Wood Comparative Politics Study Guide (one of the recomended):

"At the beginning of the 20th Century, Britain was undoubtedly the most powerful country in the world. Truly the name "Great Britain" applies to its many accomplishments.

"Yet many British subject refer to their homeland affectionately as "Little England." Perhaps their is some "David and Goliath" appeal -- the little island that conquered the world! At any rate, the two names aptly defines Britain's dilemma in the early years of the 21st century."

As a unitary system of government....by whatever name you call it policy on Westmister may go from deciding to send troops to Afghanistan to figuring out how to remove a random 4 inches of snow from the streets of London.