In the emerging world of ethnic conflict and civilizational clash, Western belief in the universality of Western culture suffers three problems: it is false; it is immoral; and it is dangerous.

Expectations should not always be taken as reality; because you never know when you will be disappointed.

Since the revolution of the 18th century, America has basically had an ideology of liberal democracy and constitutionalism.

Global politics remains extremely complex and countries have different interests, which will also lead them to make what might seem as rather bizarre friends and allies.

The basis of association and antagonism among countries has changed over time.

Quite obviously power will continue to play a central role in global politics as it always does. But usually there is something else.

Two significant developments in the past several decades have been the collapse of communism as an ideology and the general acceptance, in rhetoric, if not practice, of liberal democracy.