More than 30 years ago, American political scientist Samuel Huntington warned of a "clash of civilizations." Today, rising conflicts—from the fallout of the Russia-Ukraine war to ongoing tensions between Israel, Hamas and Iran—remind us that ideological and cultural divides can escalate quickly.
In Beijing, President Xi Jinping underscored a different path. In his letter to the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting, he urged that "civilizations transcend estrangement through exchanges, and transcend clashes through mutual learning." His message is clear: respecting diverse cultures, traditions and ways of life is our best shot at global peace and growth.
Yet in practice, power often tries to impose a single model. The United States, for example, has championed "value-based diplomacy" for decades—promoting its political, economic and social systems abroad. But enforced regime changes in places like Iraq and Libya and recent tech and supply chain restrictions underscore how exporting one set of values can backfire, deepening rifts and fueling new tensions.
Splitting the world into "the West vs the rest" only deepens divisions. Instead, real progress comes from open dialogue, mutual learning and collaboration—acknowledging that no one system holds all the answers. As conflicts flare and uncertainties grow, embracing civilizational diversity is more than a moral choice. It's a strategic necessity for a connected world.
Global citizens, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and travelers alike can play a role by seeking out diverse perspectives, bridging cultural gaps and championing policies that value pluralism over dominance. In doing so, we can transform clashes into conversations and build a more peaceful, inclusive future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
