The "struggle for recognition" among nations This notion from Hegel was used by Fukuyana in his book "The End of History." It indicates that countries will go to war over prestige issues as much as for economic gains. Like the alpha male in a wolf pack, nations seem to want to be recognized as the "top dog." This desire led to some bitter conflicts in the 20th century, where Germany, Russia, and Japan strove for the "top dog" recognition their nations had never received. The Ottomans were similarly greatly feared, until their defeat at Vienna in 1529. In earlier centuries, nations were not as aware of other leading civilizations in the world (particularly in the Americas and Africa). On a regional basis, however, the "struggle for recognition" seems to have played an important part in warfare and in the development of World Leadership Civilizations (as with Rome vs Carthage).