Fourth Generation Warfare and the Cultural Divide

The world is in tension. Global conflict rages along cultural lines. The events of 9/11, the war in Iraq, and the undercurrent fear of terrorism lie close to the heart of democracies and, yet, America's shining light to the rest of the world has been dimmed. While America's exported culture becomes more prolific, many watch in disgust as their traditions, politics, and religion change to suit the influx of Western influences. Some feel that America is a rotting egg -- bright and clean on the outside, decaying on the inside. This perception is not exclusive to non-Western citizens; many in America feel that we have lost our guiding principles and have lost the vision of the Founders. Multiculturalism, humanism, and political correctness have drowned the truth, but in a dichotomy of perceptions, those who espouse "progressive" ideas feel that America is a victim of her own socio-political agenda. While the West exports its brand of democracy, Islamists concurrently export their incompatible ideology to the West. Fourth Generation Warfare is not restricted to combat zones, but rages in time and dimension foreign to Westerners. The divisions in society that arise, whether in Iraq or America, will give way to a isolating cultural divide. Islam is not incompatible with democracy, but the free speech protected under democracy must not give way to extremist ideologies. A divided democracy can stand on principle, but once the torch is dimmed, it is only a matter of time before it is extinguished. The West will survive the invasion of cultural barbarians, but only if it recognizes the invasion and takes action.

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