In his book, "The Return of Marco Polo's World," Robert D. Kaplan explores how civilizations frequently thrive when they are challenged by others. An example of this is how Christendom developed and solidified its identity in response to the expansion of Islam during the early centuries. The conflicts and confrontations that arose during this period helped to define the cultural and geopolitical landscape of Europe.

Kaplan further illustrates this idea by examining the geopolitical dynamics of the 20th century, particularly the West's formation of its identity and strategies in opposition to Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. These confrontations not only shaped the political history of the West but also influenced its strategic interests in the modern era, highlighting the ongoing relevance of opposition in the evolution of civilizations.