The cultural tensions described by Huntington appear to be an elusive prospect, as history suggests a continual pattern where the West has predominantly gained from interactions with other civilizations over the last five centuries. This exchange often leaves one civilization weakened while the other flourishes, presenting a fundamental imbalance in global dynamics.

The real concern lies not in the possibility of conflict, but in whether the weaker civilization, in its decline, may descend into chaos. Niall Ferguson's work, "Civilization: Us and Others," emphasizes this critical aspect, positing that the repercussions of such cultural exchanges may lead to instability rather than just rivalry.