the commitment of the predominant culture. I'm always less inclined to believe that it's a few powerful people, and more inclined to think it's a cultural war

the commitment of the predominant culture. I'm always less inclined to believe that it's a few powerful people, and more inclined to think it's a cultural war between memes (in the Dawkins sense). People are driven by ideas. If powerful people are contributing to a cause it's probably because they are under the influence of a meme. That, or a more Machiavellian reasoning like trying to purchase social capital.