In this podcast episode, I discuss why the term Western Civilization is not only problematic, but also an obstacle to understanding the world and solving the some of the thorniest political issues facing us today. Whether it used as a codeword for white by the Far Right, or pro-science and pro-human rights by others, Western or Western civilization oversimplifies the world and draws artificial lines between countries and continents that obscures the reality that some of the most inspiring pro-democracy movements over the last decade have come from countries like Syria, Bangladesh, Sudan and Iran; while many so-called Western countries have been home to Far-Rights movements and movements that are anti-democratic in nature. Religious fundamentalism and authoritarian populism can be embraced by anyone in any country, but the same can be said for human rights, democracy and science.