The Clash of Civilizations by Samuel Huntington - Article Example

Summary and Analysis of The Clash of Civilization Summary The article, The Clash of Civilizations written by Samuel P. Huntington, discusses the transition of conflict. He hypothesized that conflict between nations will not be caused by the clash of ideologies or economic goals. The “next pattern of conflict” is from cultural differences. A continuous conflict between nations of different culture will begin a “new Cold War.” This will be followed by the conflict of ideologies, which is ignited by the Western civilization. This had occurred after the end of the Cold war. Furthermore, Huntington discussed that a civilization is considered as the “cultural identity” of a specific group of individuals in a certain geographical location. This can be composed of differing numbers as long as the group shares common characteristics that include religion, language, and others. It can be created and can disappear in accordance to the force it displays (Huntington). Furthermore, he identifies eight main civilizations, which are the African, Confucian, Hindu, Islamic, Japanese, Latin American, and the Slavic-Orthodox. He identifies five causes that may arise conflict between the said civilizations. The first conflict may be caused by the difference of culture, linguistics, history, beliefs and traditions, and religion. These differences may not immediately mean conflict; however, these differences have been long caused the aggressive conflicts in any given civilization. The second cause is that people from different civilizations are now easily aware of their differences, which can create tension when they meet. The third cause of conflict may be from the moving away of people from their core identity through globalization and social change. Another factor that may lead to conflict is the rise of the Western civilization, which is projected to be opposed by the non-Western civilizations. The fifth factor that may lead to conflict is the cultural differences, especially the difference in religion, which will lead to the difficulty to resolve economic and political dilemmas. Lastly, Huntington added that the increase of the division of the economy can also be a cause of conflict (Huntington). On the other hand, Huntington argued that the common culture may lead to economic growth. He cited that the similar cultures between China and Taiwan had overcome their difference in ideologies. This then resulted to incorporating their economies to bring about economic stability. Furthermore, religion is considered as a basis for economic integration because people use it to identify themselves from others. This difference brought by religion also creates different political views, which cause the group of the same religion be against those of the different religion. The clash of civilization then occurs in a macro perspective in order to uplift their own political and religious views, struggle for economic independence, and clash to be in control of international bodies. In a micro perspective, the power over geographical areas may cause a clash between the different civilizations (Huntington). The fault line among the civilizations also became a conflict which took over the boundaries shared during the Cold War. The division between the Western Christianity, Orthodox Christianity, and Islam had begun. The Hindus, Chinese, Japanese, and the Europeans will also encounter issues along the way, together with the “new Cold War” between China and United States. The clash may not be all violent, but there will be a reoccurrence of the clash (Huntington). Also, Huntington cited the kin-country syndrome, which is the involvement of the different groups or states in war with the opposing groups or states. Along the clash, the other countries may seek support and aid from the countries that identify themselves with similar characteristics. This can be exemplified between the Islamic and Arabic countries that unite to fight against those who oppose them, such as the Westerners. In addition, conflicts between states of the same civilizations may also arise. However, there is less intensity and the possibility of conflict to grow is smaller (Huntington). In addition, the domination of the West over the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations Security Council tends to feed on their own political and economic desires. The term “the world economy” had been insufficiently used. According to Huntington, the term has now been used as a euphemism to legitimate the actions of the Unites States. Nonetheless, there are still nations such as North Korea and Burma, which isolates themselves from the West. Also, the Confucian and Islamic civilization will continue to do away with the Western civilization. Furthermore, the conflict will still rise as the West being departed and opposed by the other civilization. The consciousness of every person regarding his or her civilization gives rise to a multilayer of implications. Also, this understanding may only be asserted to as civilization being an absolute idea. However, if civilization is understood in a wider and more opinionated manner, the results will be different (Huntington). Analysis There have been many views that support and oppose Huntington’s article of “The Clash of Civilizations.” Some argued that it is one-sided (Yang), and others also see it as suggestive and useful (Bakke). Furthermore, conflict is defined by Putnam and Poole as the encounter of individuals, or group of individuals who has differing aims, objectives, and values who considers the other person as a hindrance in realizing the other peoples’ goals (qtd. in Miller 160). Also, Huntington added “the great divisions among humankind and the dominating source of conflict will be cultural.” He cited that religion will be the most essential determinant of the different civilizations. This is agreed by the study conducted by Breznau et al. that in the modern world, identifying leaders through religion is plausible, especially between Christian and Muslims (672). However, Oneal and Russett cited that the clash of civilizations or conflict cannot be caused solely by the differences in religion and culture of these civilizations. The chance of religion to cause conflict is lesser compared to military activities. If the differences of civilizations, such as religion and culture, may cause conflict, then it can be inferred that clashes may occur even within common geographical areas. However, Huntington cited that there are remarkably few wars within similar civilizations (611-612). This citation of Huntington can be used as a basis to negate his theory. Also, with these facts on hand, the clash of civilizations can be less detrimental in the future when its influence can decline abruptly. On the other hand, it is necessary to cite that in Huntington’s idea of the rallying of those civilizations of similar culture and religion may be detrimental for the opposite civilizations. Therefore, the rise of conflict between these civilizations may be inevitable. However, Huntington forgot to cite the similarities of the different civilizations which may also lead to unity. The cooperation of the different civilizations may lead to trust and friendship between them. For example, to combat global poverty, climate change, and the recession, it is essential for the different civilizations to work as one (Yang 97-98). Cooperation is more powerful than identifying the clash of civilizations. The differences these civilizations have, such as religion, may be a useful tool in order to fight a more substantial conflict, that if it is won, it will be for the betterment of all. The article may have cited or predicted the clash between Islam and the Westerners; however, it had forgotten to cite other positive factors of the differences in civilizations, as stated above. Also, it is crucial to understand that conflict may be caused by many external and internal components, which are beyond the differences. Furthermore, the differences of these civilizations can also lead to a complementary relationship. However, this relationship must be accompanied with well-developed and well-materialized policies among differing countries. Works Cited Bakke, Kristin, M. “Review of: Religion, Civilization, and Civil War: 1945 Through the New Millenium by Jonathan Fox.” International Studies Review 7.1 (2005): 87-89. Print. Breznau, Nate, et al. “A Clash of Civilizations? Preferences for Religious Political Leaders in 86 Nations.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 50.4 (2011): 671-691. Print. Huntington, Samuel. The Clash of Civilizations. Sept. 1993. Web. 18 Oct. 2012. . Miller, Katherine. Organizational Communication: Approaches and Processes. 5th ed. Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Print. Oneal, John, R. and Bruce, M. Russett. “A Response to Huntington.” Journal of Peace Research 37.5 (2000): 611-612. Print. Yang, Yue. “Analyze the One-Sidedness of “Clash of Civilizations.” Journal of Politics and Law 2.3 (2009): 97-99. Print. Read More