Huntington’s essay touches on a vast amount of cultural and political background to make what is ultimately a very direct argument. He draws upon his expertise to craft an argument that uses persuasion, historical context, quotes from experts, sociohistorical arguments, and academic citations. The essay also follows a strict structure. In the first part of the essay, he sets the context for the post-Cold War world and describes what a civilization is. He explains his definition using numerous examples of why cultures clash and then makes a case for why the next geopolitical conflict will be between the civilizations of the West and a “Confucian-Islamic” alliance. Finally, Huntington explains what the West should do, both in the short and long term, to navigate a more civilization-conscious world. This structure is uncomplicated in theory, but its implications about both the past and present of a wide variety of nations and cultures are complex.

Part of that complexity stems from the essay’s own ambiguities. For example, the essay’s main focus is The Influence of Civilizational Identity, particularly as it relates to conflict between civilizations, and Huntington points to the world “getting smaller” as one factor that increases the likelihood of civilizations clashing.