Moreover, both viewed the distinctive opportunities afoot in helping the world to define itself along either capitalist or communist lines. To this extent, the period following World War II may actually be defined as a transitional phase necessary encumbered by brutal conflict. The end of feudalism and colonialism in Europe, marked most officially by the end of the WWII and the need for each European nation to look inward toward rebuilding, would signal a new period in the history of human governance. American and Soviet orientation would reflect new ideals, to the extent that we can define the world of the late 20th century as distinguished by efforts at redefining government orientation. With the eras of enlightenment and industrialization now past, these European institutions were no longer plausible or relevant.

In many ways, the conflicts of the next several decades would be the natural byproduct of attempts to define some...
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