Westernization versus Modernization. This is the topic that stood out to us most throughout Huntington's essay. Huntington states that there will never be a universal civilization. As a westerner, it is in our blood to want to spread western culture to the rest of the world. When we accept what Huntington states, as we must, we begin to understand that many countries do not want to be like us. The majority of the middle east has resisted western culture and society, and has therefore fallen behind the west in terms of technology and government. They are now aiming to fix this disposition however, by becoming more modern, while still resisting western culture. Their culture has worked for them, and sustained them far longer than western culture has sustained the relatively young United States. Why change what works? Our question ultimately becomes is it in fact possible to modernize without westernizing? Does modernizing inherently suggest the absorption of western culture, which has become synonymous with modern government, technology, etc.? We aim to prove that it does, through research of real world countries.

Questions, Questions, Questions!

<-- The good looking Sammy H.

Today, we were asking questions. In our inquisitive states, we came up with some burning questions that we want answered. We're going to look everywhere: Huntington, Lewis, Kagan, Toynbee, anything related we can get our grubby hands on.

Numero Uno:
What is the difference between modernization and westernization: are they completely different, indistinguishably similar, or simply inextricably linked? How is the Middle East modernizing without westernizing? Is that possible?

Numero Dos:
The long run! What will happen? What will western civilization class be like for students in 100 years? The Middle East dislikes us not because we are American but because of our western values and cultures. If the rest of the world continues to modernize at the same rate we did and join the club of western civilization will the Middle East's hate expand to everyone else as well?

Numero Tres:
If someone has an Islamic perspective, is it religion? Are they inseparable? What do Islamic nations say about us?

We hope you can help us on our road to answering these questions!

If You Haven't Read Huntington...

If you haven't read Huntington, this is what you should know:

The Clash Of Civilizations is a theory proposed by Samuel Huntington, a political scientist. The theory was originally proposed in a 1993 article, and then expanded as a book in 1996. Actually, the term itself was originally used by none other than Bernard Lewis himself.

Huntington's thesis at the most basic level is that because of all of the world's differences, it's inevitable that we will clash. This is of course discussed in much greater detail in the essay, but that's it at it's most stripped down form.

Clash_of_Civilizations.doc

Read and review the essay, if you don't have time for all 40 pages, we'd recommend a few parts.

Definitely read part 3, it's entitled "Why Civilizations will Clash". Also, parts 1 and 4 are important. Part 5, "The West and the Rest" is interesting too.

Greetings and Salutations Fellow History Nuts!

Welcome!

We're happy you stumbled upon this meager blog. This cornucopia of ideas will detail the thoughts of Samuel Huntington: how we relate and our own opinions on his thesis. My colleagues and I are delving into The Clash of Civilizations and have come across many questions that we want answered and points of discussion: we'd love to hear what you have to say on the topic of western civ. 

Along with Huntington's "C.O.C.", we'll discuss other pieces of literature including The Revolt of Islam by Bernard Lewis, and how each article can connect with one another. We would like to form our own thesis about western civilization, and you guys can help!

Feel free to let us know about any other related blogs you have or know about; we are eager to learn more about other's ideas!

We'll update regularly, so check back soon.

Thanks,

The Team in Room T006