Lewis discusses the position of women in the modern world to have originated from the western culture. The position of women in society during past eras was at a great disparity with that of women in non-western societies. Muslim travelers who went to Europe were astonished at the freedom accorded to women. Western culture also bred the ideology of nuclear families which encouraged monogamy leading to the increased spread of western civilization. Moreover, the emergence of Elizabeth as the Queen came as a shock to many who did not think women were meant to have power. Modern warfare systems were also inspired by western trends.
Civil societies have come to be understood by researchers as groups formed with the primary purposes associated with activities outside the state and marketplace. Lewis provides the example of The Levant Company formed as a voluntary association that would allow people to share similar interest, beliefs, purposes and policies. These groups did not owe allegiance to any leader but rather created safe spaces where people could share ideologies. The concept was introduced through the Western phenomenon.
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The theory of limited government was derived from Islam. Most modern governments insist that the ruler is not above the law but rather, subject to the law hence they are liable for all their actions. A ruler is just as vulnerable to the law as his humblest of subjects. Islam was the first society to embrace the notion of universal mission which was further spearheaded by Western civilization. Islamic teachings on the state became widely adopted by most modern societies in the world.
The combination of two distinct cultures can allow both blending and bringing out the best in each other. Lewis identified three ways that emerged from Middle Easterners issues with alien civilization from the west. The first is that a new culture takes what they can adapt from an imposing culture without allowing themselves to be superseded by an inferior civilization. The second talks of a marriage between the best elements of both cultures leading to the modern age. The third indicates that the world has gone through many civilizations with each growing and flourishing but eventually passing away. People are faced with the choice of joining it or remaining uncivilized.
References
Lewis, B. (1997). The West and Middle East. Council of Foreign Relations , 114-130. doi: 131.170.6.51
