The clash of civilizations has become a common phrase in discussions of U.S.Middle East relations. This book explores the nature of the friction between the Muslim world and Western states, looking at legitimate perceptions and grievances on both sides involving historical, political, economic, cultural, psychological, and strategic elements.Arguing that Islam versus the West does not represent the arena of the next global ideological struggle, the authors examine specific issues of a bilateral nature that require careful handling to prevent the consolidation of states into opposing blocs....

This study aims to show that current thinking about the role of resources in war, and as a component of military potential in peacetime, relies on notions derived from historical experience and changes in the nature of warfare, not least the advent of nuclear weapons.