Defending Western Civilization - An Interview with Ayaan Hirsi Ali

We are in the midst of what many describe as a culture war. On one side, there are those who align with leftist ideologies, and on the other, conservatives defending traditional values. This struggle isn’t just political; it’s a battle for the very soul of Western civilization. I believe that the principles of individual autonomy, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the pursuit of one’s purpose are foundational to our society. These are the values that have been enshrined in laws and constitutions across the West, and they are worth defending.

The Essence of Western Civilization

Coming from a tribal society, I understand the natural human inclination toward tribalism—the organization around bloodlines and kinship. However, Western civilization innovated beyond this by developing the concept of the nation-state, where strangers come together to form a society based on shared values and trust. This shift allowed for the establishment of institutions that enable the largest number of people within a nation to thrive.

We who have benefited from this civilization often take it for granted. We assumed its strength was self-perpetuating and that newcomers would naturally assimilate. This complacency was a mistake.

Internal Threats: Amnesia and Bad Ideas

Paradoxically, the greatest threat to Western civilization comes from within. There is a collective amnesia—a forgetting of the roots and values that underpin our society. Alongside this, there is a resurgence of bad ideas, such as romanticizing primitivism or embracing identity politics rooted in grievance and redistribution without merit.

The proliferation of these ideas, especially in educational institutions, undermines the very foundations of our society. Concepts like communism, which we thought were defeated, are resurfacing under new guises. This internal decay makes it easy for external adversaries to exploit our weaknesses.

External Exploitation by Adversaries

Long-standing adversaries of the West—such as authoritarian regimes and extremist groups—are keenly observing our internal strife. They exploit our self-loathing and the spread of harmful ideologies to further their own agendas. While the West remains strong, we must recognize and address these internal vulnerabilities to prevent external forces from undermining our civilization.

The Loss of Critical Thinking in Education

One of the critical issues is the erosion of critical thinking in our education system. In the past, universities were places where students were taught to think critically, to challenge ideas, and to leave their preconceived notions at the door. Today, there is a tendency to indoctrinate rather than educate, leaving young minds ill-equipped to discern truth from propaganda.

This lack of critical thinking leads to the acceptance of harmful ideologies without question. For instance, movements that focus solely on identity politics or that promote divisive narratives gain traction because there is no counterbalance of reasoned debate and critical analysis.

The Rise of Mr. Consensus Over Mr. Courage

We are witnessing a shift from leaders who embody courage to those who prioritize consensus at any cost. Historically, figures like Winston Churchill stood firm against clear evils because they recognized that some adversaries cannot be appeased. Today, there is a reluctance to confront harmful ideologies directly, whether they stem from external threats like authoritarian regimes or internal movements that erode our values.

The Woke Mind Virus and Cultural Relativism

The current wave of radicalism, often described as “wokeism,” is particularly dangerous because it masquerades as virtuous. Many who promote these ideas genuinely believe they are fighting for good causes, which makes the ideology more insidious. This movement often wraps itself in positive language but pushes agendas that dismantle the very society that allows for such freedoms.

To counter this, we must reclaim the principles of critical thinking and be willing to stand up for what is right, even when it’s uncomfortable. We need to encourage open dialogue and challenge ideas that threaten our foundational values.

Restoring Faith and Values

I have come to realize that the secularization of society has left a void that is often filled by harmful ideologies. The Enlightenment values we cherish did not emerge in a vacuum; they are deeply rooted in centuries of religious and philosophical thought, particularly within the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Reconnecting with these roots does not mean rejecting reason or science. Instead, it involves acknowledging that our concepts of individual rights, justice, and morality are intertwined with these traditions. By restoring a sense of purpose and conviction, we can build a more resilient society.

Optimism for the Future

Despite the challenges, I remain optimistic. Many people across different demographics are beginning to recognize the dangers of these divisive ideologies. Immigrant communities, for example, who have experienced the hardships of oppressive regimes, often value the freedoms and opportunities available in the West.

There is a growing awareness and willingness to stand up against harmful movements. This collective awakening can lead to a restoration of the institutions and values that have made Western civilization prosperous and free.

We are at a pivotal moment in history. The threats we face—both internal and external—require courage and a reaffirmation of our foundational values. By fostering critical thinking, embracing our cultural heritage, and standing firm against ideologies that seek to divide and destroy, we can preserve the freedoms and opportunities that define Western civilization.

Dominik Andrzejczuk

Polish American Venture Capitalist