Question Breakdown
The question asks the candidate to analyze Samuel Huntington’s theory of a "Clash of Civilizations", the idea that future global conflicts will be defined by cultural and religious identities. The candidate must present arguments supporting this thesis (based on historical tensions, ideological conflicts, cultural divides) as well as counterarguments (emphasizing global interdependence, pluralism, and cooperation). A balanced response should reference real-world examples and theoretical critiques to demonstrate depth and nuance.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Arguments in Favour of the “Clash” Thesis
2.1. Civilizational Identity and Cultural Differences
2.2. Post–Cold War Conflicts (e.g., Balkan Wars, Afghanistan, Middle East)
2.3. Rise of Religious Nationalism
2.4. Western–Islamic Tensions (9/11, “War on Terror”)
2.5. Identity-Based Mobilization
3-Arguments Against the “Clash” Thesis
3.1. Economic Globalization and Interdependence
3.2. Multicultural Cooperation (EU, ASEAN)
3.3. Transnational Challenges (Climate, Health, Terrorism)
3.4. Intra-Civilizational Conflicts
3.5. Civilizational Hybridity and Fusion Cultures
4-Middle Positions and Alternatives
- Dialogue of civilizations
- Civilization convergence theory
- Role of globalization in reducing fault lines
5-Conclusion
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Answer to the Question
Introduction
Samuel Huntington’s “Clash of Civilisations” hypothesis, emerging in 1993, suggests that future global conflicts will be driven not by ideology or economics, but by cultural fault lines between major civilisations, such as Western, Islamic, Hindu, Sinic, Orthodox, and others. In a post–Cold War world, this thesis resonated widely, especially after events like 9/11 and ongoing cultural conflicts. Yet this binary framework remains controversial. The claim that the world is heading toward an inevitable civilizational clash can be both reinforced and challenged by empirical evidence.
Arguments in Favour of the “Clash” Thesis
- Civilizational Identity and Cultural Differences
People derive deep meaning from their cultural identities, language, religion, and traditions. When globalization pressures homogenization, identity-based resistance becomes stronger, potentially resulting in confrontation. - Post–Cold War Conflicts
The Yugoslav wars of the 1990s, where ethnic and religious divides triggered genocide, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq showcased conflicts shaped along civilizational lines. - Rise of Religious Nationalism
Resurgent Hindu nationalism in India, missionary populism in U.S. politics, and Islamic revival movements demonstrate cultural identity as a basis for exclusionary politics. - Western–Islamic Tensions
The 9/11 attacks and subsequent “War on Terror,” along with Western interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and reciprocal radicalisation, have fueled the perception of a global clash between Western and Islamic civilizational blocs. - Identity-Based Mobilization
Civilizations sometimes function as political mobilizing frameworks. Groups like ISIS claimed a global Islamic identity, while populist parties in Europe have exploited anti-Muslim sentiment, reinforcing the clash narrative.
Arguments Against the “Clash” Thesis
- Economic Globalization and Interdependence
Nations trade, invest, and collaborate across civilization lines. China–Western trade ties and cross-cultural educational exchanges weaken the idea of immutable civilizational conflict. - Multi-Cultural Cooperation and Integration
Societies like the EU and ASEAN demonstrate how diverse cultural and religious groups can cooperate and even form shared political and economic identities. - Transnational Challenges
Climate change, pandemics (like COVID-19), and global terrorism require trans-civilizational cooperation. These issues cut across cultures and necessitate collective action beyond identity divides. - Intra-Civilizational Conflicts
History shows that conflicts within civilizations, such as Sunni–Shia, Kurdish–Turkish, or intra-Europe wars, often far outweigh those between civilizations. These disputes underscore the flaw in assuming homogenized civilizational blocs. - Civilizational Hybridity
Global cities like New York, Dubai, and London host blended cultures where cross-religious coexistence shapes emergent hybrid identities. This undermines the monolithic civilizational model.
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Middle Positions and Alternatives
- Dialogue of Civilizations, championed by UNESCO and others in 2001, seeks to promote empathy through cultural exchange, education, and interfaith dialogue.
- Convergence Theory, advocated by scholars such as Kishore Mahbubani, predicts that globalization and shared governance models are drawing civilizations closer rather than pushing them apart.
- Global governance and cooperation, as outlined in sustainable development frameworks, present a future in which civilizational cooperation becomes indispensable.
Conclusion
The “Clash of Civilizations” thesis captures real anxieties intensified by global terrorism and populist identity politics. Yet it underestimates forces like economic interdependence, transnational challenges, multiculturalism, and intra-civilizational conflict that provide more plausible conflict frameworks. Therefore, while confrontation is possible, cooperation and coexistence through dialogue, shared global interests, and hybrid identities offer a more optimistic path forward. Humanity faces a choice: succumb to the rhetoric of clash or actively build bridges across identities.
