The Clash of Civilizations

1. The Clash of Civilizations

2. The Clash of Civilization • The civilizations of the Cold War era were divided into the First, Second, and Third Worlds • These are no longer relevant • Civilizations are the highest cultural entity that encompass the broadest memberships sharing cultural similarities (religion, linguistic features, ethnicity, etc.)

3. The Clash of Civilizations • The differences between civilizations are fundamental • The world is becoming a smaller place • Modernization is producing social change at an alarming rate • Nation-states are weakening • Regional movements featuring traditionalist themes are springing up everywhere….usually around religious principles

4. The Clash of Civilizations • “Westernization” results in a backlash from these traditionalist movements • Religion is exclusive….it paints sharp differences between people….so these conflicts are going to be harder to resolve • Economic regionalism is increasing (economic trading blocs) • There will emerge civilizational “fault lines” • Asian (Confucian) • Islamic • Western

5. The clash of Civilizations • Islam and Christianity have been engaged in a cultural war since the Crusades • In the wake of the colonial era, Arab nationalism and fundamentalism has risen • Islam is antithetical to democracy and western values • Islam has “bloody borders” • There is the phenomenon of the “West vs. the rest” (a Confucian-Islamic opposition to the West) • Arms deals between China and the Middle East suggest there is a Confucian-Islamic military threat