July 23, 2010

Dialogue instead of clash of civilizations: the contributions of the Australian Intercultural Society(1)

Çemen Polat

Samuel Huntington’s theory of a “clash of civilizations,” a term initially proposed by Bernard Lewis, has been refuted by a large number of scholars on the international level -- particularly after the events of Sept. 11, which distorted the image of Islam.

Huntington’s theory concludes that Islam shares mutual detestation with other civilizations, particularly with the Western world, identifying the “bloody borders” between Muslims and non-Muslims. In response to this theory, scholarly works, seminars, conferences and educational awareness programs at all levels have been organized to attempt to eliminate or minimize inimical stereotypes, prejudices and iniquitous phobias proposed by some lobby groups, parties and individuals around the globe.