Which pair of developments had a greater impact on the contemporary world: new imperialism & decolonization or the two world wars?

This question can be argued either way.  I will give you arguments for each side and you can make up your own mind.

You can argue that imperialism and decolonization were more important.  For one thing, imperialism was one of the causes of WWI and WWII.  This implies that imperialism is more important because it is at least somewhat responsible for the wars.  For another thing, imperialism and decolonization had a greater world-wide impact.  The...

This question can be argued either way.  I will give you arguments for each side and you can make up your own mind.

You can argue that imperialism and decolonization were more important.  For one thing, imperialism was one of the causes of WWI and WWII.  This implies that imperialism is more important because it is at least somewhat responsible for the wars.  For another thing, imperialism and decolonization had a greater world-wide impact.  The wars were “world wars,” but their impact was felt mainly in the developed countries.  The wars did not have, for example, a huge impact on sub-Saharan Africa or on the Indian subcontinent in that these areas were not the scene of much fighting.  Imperialism and decolonization reached and affected practically every corner of the globe.  For these reasons, they are more important.

You can also argue that the wars were more important in shaping our world today.  For one thing, WWII led to decolonization.  The war strengthened the US (which generally favored decolonization) and weakened countries like France and Britain, which had large empires.  This led to decolonization, meaning that the wars were more important.  For another thing, the wars had a greater impact on the major powers of the world and it is the major powers that have the most to do with what our contemporary world is like.  The wars, for example, brought the United States to power, making it the most important country in the world.  The wars brought about the rise of the Soviet Union, leading to the Cold War, which also shapes the modern world.  Thus, the wars are more important.

Which of these arguments makes more sense to you?