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The East–West Dimension: Wars and Conflict
Resolutions in Chinese and Western by David Krus Cruise Scientific
book review by Randall Radic
"Within the military, the idea of a neutron bomb was given considerable attention as an ideal weapon; it destroys people but leaves their possessions intact."
In today's world, many people often speak of the Eastern and Western cultures, and the differences between the two cultures. Yet most Westerners have very little insight into what the differences actually are, because, having been raised in the Judeo-Christian civilization of the West, they have no frame of reference and no true understanding of how vast is the gulf between East and West. The East–West Dimension, written by Dr. David Krus, attempts to explain the philosophical and cultural variances between the Eastern system of thought and the Western system of thought. As the author states in his Preface, "This book is based upon research into the psychological, sociological, cultural, and religious aspects of Eastern and Western cultures as they relate to issues of family cohesiveness, prevention of crime and violence, strategies of conflict resolution, war, and peace."
The result of Dr. Krus' efforts are effective, if somewhat disquieting. Western readers are not used to viewing themselves and their culture from another perspective. They are used to believing that their way is the right way, and that any reasonable person would, once the facts are presented, certainly agree. As Dr. Krus' research demonstrates, this is not necessarily true. For the Western perspective is mediated, being based on an inconsistent and biased interpretation, which often varies from reality. For example, on the one hand, the mediated perspective depicts Great Britain as a peace-loving nation, one that asserts the value of the democratic process. On the other hand, the classical Eastern view of Great Britain is that of a belligerent nation interested in subjugating other cultures to enhance its empire.
To the Western mind, this is disconcerting. It challenges core beliefs and logical processes. And that is what makes East–West Dimension vital reading. One may not agree with the material, but one should be willing to acknowledge its existence and its potential accuracy. In other words, East–West Dimension challenges readers to examine why they believe what they believe, while simultaneously contemplating the idea that alternative beliefs not only are possible, but might make just as much sense.