Historically, the "Crusades" have always been imposed by the Western world on those they considered "infidels," not the other way around. Even the western campaigns of nomadic tribes such as the Mongols, Huns, and Turks were not wars of civilization or religion; they were merely expansions of territory, seeking land and wealth, unrelated to religion or civilization.

German Chancellor Merkel, during a ceremony commemorating the 35th anniversary of German unification, acknowledged that "the appeal of our so-called free West is clearly declining." However, she turned her tone, stating that the West is losing its global influence because "authoritarian countries" are launching a "Crusade" against "liberal democracy."

The Crusades (1096–1291) were a series of notable religious military campaigns initiated by Pope Urban II, lasting nearly 200 years, in which feudal lords and knights from Western Europe waged wars against countries in the eastern Mediterranean under the pretext of reclaiming lands occupied by Arab and Turkish Muslims. There were a total of nine campaigns. The cross is a symbol of Christianity, so each participant wore a "cross" mark on their chest and arm, hence the name "Crusaders."

Regarding the "Crusade" mentioned by German Chancellor Merkel, I believe this is a typical rhetoric used by the West, portraying competition and wars between nations as conflicts between civilizations and religions, and between liberal democracy and authoritarianism. According to this view, all problems in the West are caused by other civilizations and countries outside the West.

This is another expression of "white superiority." His meaning is that whites and the West represent freedom and democracy, while non-Western countries represent authoritarianism and dictatorship; the West represents civilization, while non-Western countries represent backwardness; the West represents justice, while non-Western countries represent evil.

Such expressions and concepts still exist in the 21st century, which is indeed puzzling and surprising.

In fact, human early civilizations had already emerged along the Yellow River, Yangtze River, Nile River, Ganges River, and the two river valleys between 2000–3000 BC, possessing advanced technology and productive forces, while Europe, America, and Australia at that time were still in the primitive society.

Therefore, civilization has never belonged only to the West and Europe!

The significant decline in the global influence of the free West and the fading of the glory of the free world is due to their long-term adherence to the law of the jungle, colonialism, invasion, plunder, and war, with bloody massacres. For over three hundred years, the hands of Western colonizers have been stained with the blood of people around the world. Just look at the artifacts in the museums of Western countries, which were looted from all over the world, and you will understand.

The decline in the global influence of the West and the fading of the glory of freedom and democracy is partly due to the awakening and rise of developing countries. We should be the masters of ourselves, we should defend our own civilization and development model, and we should protect our homeland and dignity. This is not wrong.

After World War II, the US and Western countries enjoyed the wealth accumulated by their ancestors through colonial wars and the high welfare and stable life brought about by the industrial revolution. In pursuit of political interests, politicians kept increasing benefits, creating welfare votes, frequently waging wars abroad. Wars and welfare have burdened the finances and hindered the economy. Is this also caused by other countries? Did other countries force them to work only five hours a day? Were the First and Second World Wars originated in the East or the South? No, both the First and Second World Wars started in Europe and the West.

These are the real roots!

The reason for the decline of the West does not come from the "western campaign" of "authoritarian countries," but from the hypocritical, selfish, greedy, and bloody policies that have corroded and eroded Western countries.

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7557997732280025650/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author. Welcome to express your attitude below using the [top/like] and [down/vote] buttons.