Summary
"What Went Wrong? Western Impact and Middle Eastern Response" by Bernard Lewis delves into the complex and multifaceted relationship between the Islamic world and the West, particularly focusing on the Middle East. Lewis explores the historical context of this interaction, beginning with a time when Islamic civilization was at the forefront of human achievement. He poses the central question of why, after centuries of leading in various fields, the Islamic world experienced a decline relative to the West, leading to a sense of anguish, urgency, and anger among its people.
The book examines key areas where the Islamic world encountered and responded to Western influence. Military defeats, such as those registered in the Treaty of Carlowitz, prompted a re-evaluation of military strategies and a reluctant acknowledgement of Western superiority. The quest for wealth and power led to attempts to emulate Western economic and political systems, often resulting in disappointing outcomes and reinforcing autocratic rule. Lewis emphasizes that the quest for victory by updated armies brought a series of humiliating defeats, the quest for prosperity through development brought impoverished and corrupt economies, and the long quest for freedom has left a string of shabby tyrannies.
Lewis also addresses the social and cultural barriers that played a significant role in shaping the Middle Eastern response. He looks at the role of women in society, the selective adoption of Western science, and the challenge of reconciling religious traditions with secular modernity. These discussions reveal a complex interplay of influences, where Western ideas clashed with deeply entrenched social and cultural norms. The author notes that the blind imitation of Western ways and wholesale adoption of Western culture is unlikely to offer solutions to the problems of the Middle East. Rather, it is essential to revive the creativity, innovation, and independent thought that once characterized Islamic civilization during its golden age.
In conclusion, "What Went Wrong?" offers a historical analysis of the Middle East's encounter with the West, pinpointing the key factors that contributed to the region's decline in comparison to the West. It is a work that encourages critical self-reflection and a revival of the values and institutions that once fostered progress and innovation in the Islamic world. It serves as a call for the region to address its internal challenges, reconcile tradition with modernity, and chart a course toward a more prosperous and equitable future.