Consider, for instance, how differently Spain might look today had Islamic rule endured into the modern era. Or, one might ponder the obvious cultural contrasts among western European nations depending on which became Protestant five centuries ago and which remained Catholic. (Recall Hillaire Belloc’s famous observation in this regard: “Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine / There’s always laughter and good red wine.”)
So, is there a spot on the global map today where broad trends in religious affiliation could have significant cultural, even strategic, implications?
Try China.
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