It's difficult to assess 'who is more civilized than whom'. Each society has values, and it values certain ideals to a greater or lesser degree: Fairness; well-being of its own citizens; Security; charity; peacefulness, etcetera.

For you to make the statement that the Netherlands is more civilized than the United States is a rather values-charged statement, and it's very relative. Because you come from a culture that values not starting wars above all else, then countries that are aggressive appear uncivilized.

But what if your country values standing up for what's right and putting bullies in their place. Wouldn't it appear uncivilized to continue to allow situations like Rwanda and Darfur continue every 10 years or so? Wouldn't it be more civilized to citizens of such a country to make the sacrafice of money and manpower to put an end to these atrocities when they occur?

I applaud Europe on its newly found pacficistic bent. I'm just trying to say that it's value is not absolute.