[Robert_Paulson2]

I would love to see a freeper fight over the meaning of "nations of the West".
What makes one a WESTERN nation?
Is it democracy, christianity, equal rights, abortion rights, anti-slavery laws...
it would make an interesting debate.

Australia and Britain are on opposite sides of the globe... but are clearly WESTERN. Does it mean anything not Eastern? Does Japan fit the profile? Malaysia, Turkey? Israel?
fwiw...

[Peach]

Oh, boy - you asked some good questions but too late at night for intelligence from this Freeper. And in the morning, I need my two cups of tea. By afternoon, ...

[Mihalis]

The term "western" is NOT a geographic term. Some of the things you mentioned (democracy, christianity etc.) are elements of a western state. The term used to imply the Cold War era distinction between East and West (communist vs. democratic). Since the collapse of communism, the meaning of the term has changed. Any country with a solid tradition of democratic institutions is a western country.