As a masters level history student I have an interest in the flow of history, particularly that of western civ.  As an educated citizen, do you feel that the west is at its end, in decline, or just fine in its multicultural adaptation? 

The Western European white man dominates for the same reason that he deveoped the military technology to do it with -- desire to dominate other peoples is his primary motivation. I know that sounds simplistic, but that is the way it looks to me. And he will continue to dominate until he has rendered the earth uninhabitable, 200-300 years, maybe sooner.  Question for aetius: Have you read The Wretched of The Earth?  Question 2:

Are you familiar with Beaudel's A History of Civilizations?

Dr. John T. West, III

aka wildhog3

I have not read either books.  However, I am familiar with the anti eurocentric view of world history.   Much like Protagoras it is easy to make two arguments for the merits of western civilization.  I prefer the glass half full approach.  It is odd that the largest idealogical and moral assault on the west comes from those who should appreciate it the most.   It is always those who have indoor plumbing and the most modern technology to espouse the greatness of the "noble savage".   It is those who were free from Stalin's purges or the Chinese cultural revolution who proclaim how great communism is.    It is also odd out of the millenia of human slavery on every continent and by every culture; George Washington has to bear the burden alone for the practice.  The Greek effort during the Persian war would have failed 8 times out of 10.  Charles Martel could have easily lost the battle of Poiters in 732.  Just perhaps, if not for a few massive mistakes by the Nazis, the Allies could have lost.  The flow of history is a tedious thing.  How terrifying would it have been if the west was snuffed out before we had the chance to have Socrates, Cicero,  Locke, and Madison.  The alternative is staring us in the face, just look at 21st century Arabia.