What is civilizing mission of westerners?

The civilizing mission of westerners, often associated with colonialism, was the belief that Western powers had a duty to bring "civilization" to non-Western societies. This ideology justified imperial expansion under the premise of spreading Western values, culture, and religion, often at the expense of indigenous cultures and societies. Critics argue that this mission was rooted in ethnocentrism and served to legitimize exploitation and domination, rather than genuine altruism. Ultimately, it reflected a complex interplay of power, control, and cultural superiority.