This is an enjoyable read, however:
It's easy, & far too common, to look back at history & criticize actions taken, which seem egregious by today's standards. But agonizing over past events which would not likely take place today serves no useful purpose - rather it tends to polarize different racial/cultural groups.
Times & acceptable behavior of nations & individuals change.
Cultures change as the times demand. No viable cultures are static, dynamism is required to adapt to the world as it, too, inevitably changes.
Clearly the technological advantages of the "western societies & nations" led them to gain land and influence, while the cultures less advanced in weaponry, organization, etc. lost many battles, land, & influence through "cultural default".