You'd have to be clearer. Inhibiting progress towards what? Culture is a way of life, determined by each civilization's starting point. It's affected by both geography, politics, and even as some claim, genetics. Basically civilization comes up with a culture that's best suited to its circumstances.
I suppose you're pointing towards "technological progress" but that don't need develop in opposition to culture. I'm a fan of Civ V as well as what some would call "classical geopolitics" like what you see in this Stratfor playlist >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN7mNEQ7s58&list=PLD985DC24042D71ED I would probably enjoy the discussion if the starting post is less vague.