In 1993, the influential American political scientist Samuel P. Huntington stirred serious debate the world over with an article in Foreign Affairs in which he predicted a coming “clash of civilizations.” Arguing that future world conflicts will originate in culture and ideology rather than in economic competition, he pointed to Islamic culture as a major player in a world divided.
Many Islamic groups, radical in their understanding of Islam, undoubtedly share this view. We will focus on the vast common ground between cultures rather than on the differences separating them. We will also show how a clash is far from inevitable when we see differences as enriching and make concerted efforts to get to know each other.