When Samuel Huntington put forward his thesis, Clash of Civilizations, in 1992, many wondered how it would be possible in a world which is fast changing into a global village. But that was exactly his argument that in this emerging global village, increased interaction and communication will lead to more profound awareness of differences between the civilisations. Due to economic moderation and social changes, people will lose their longstanding local identities, and that gap is to be replaced by religion. That was 1992, almost a decade before 9/11.
I was not much surprised this morning when I came to know who have been shortlisted by the Time magazine for its annual ‘Person of the Year’: Islamic State leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi and the US Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump are among the eight shortlisted candidates. Apparently these two gentlemen will not only compete for the slot but have all the intentions to prove the Samuel’s thesis.
Many apologists for Donald say it’s only to vow the voters, nothing else — things will go back to normal after the US elections. But I doubt that that’s the case. Regardless of worldwide condemnation of Trump’s outbursts, he is on offensive not only to charm the young voters but to change them forever. For me it’s not only the religion but the supremacist mindsets across the globe which are leading us to the clash of civilisations. Knowingly it’s going to destroy everything, no side is ready to bow down. If on one side, it’s time for Muslims for a deep introspection, time to go for a counter-narrative of respect and inclusiveness, to do away with centuries old man-made jurisprudence, then the other side also needs to stop the neo-cons, religious extremist right-wing to take the stage.
The world needs to evolve above the differences among religions but to go for universal values being advocated by every religion. Just follow justice, truthfulness, respect and there won’t be any clash of civilisations. Rhetoric aside, let’s guess who is going to be Time’s ‘Person of the Year’.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
