I agree that in the West in general we are beginning to resemble the Eloi, and seem to be far more concerned about the abstract (Global Warming) than the concrete (terrorism) threats. That said, I do believe that the premise of civilizations clashing is not really where we are at. If we were this wouldn't be a small war, it would be a big one. Until things become existential I don't expect us westerners to be any less complacent than we are. Re: the gas issue take a look at Charles Krauthammers interesting article. It seems that everyone has a tipping point.