What is the West?

by Philippe Nemo

Translated by Kenneth Casler
Foreword by Michael Novak

December 2005 / $18.95 Paper / 155 pages
ISBN 0-8207-0375-3

Book Information

In this short, illuminating and very readable work, Philippe Nemo argues that what we call “the West” is one and only one cultural entity, to which both North America and Western Europe belong. In contemporary debates, then, Nemo asserts, it is simply incorrect to exaggerate the differences or gaps between countries that are indeed “Western.”

Brilliantly and succinctly surveying the last five or six millenia, Nemo pieces together the history of the West’s development. He weaves together political events, philosophical discoveries, religious movements, and scientific and technological innovations to demonstrate the factors that have influenced and shaped Western culture. Nemo acknowledges the essential contributions of Greek science and philosophy, Roman law, Christian thought, and modern democratic revolutions to our contemporary liberal democracies.

In his conclusion, Nemo presents a case for closer geopolitical cooperation among Western societies.

Already translated from the original French into Portuguese, Italian, German and Greek, What is the West? has received considerable interest throughout Europe; earlier this year, in fact, it received the Italian Citte della Rose prize for essays.

Author Information

Philippe Nemo is a professor at the ESCP-EAP European School of Management, where he teaches philosophy and the history of political ideas. He is also the author of Job and the Excess of Evil.

Kenneth Casler is director of communication of ESCP-EAP European School of Management. He is the coauthor of a series of language learning books entitled Business Assignments.