ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the effects of globalization, through the framework of civilizations. What is essential is that a “dialogue of civilizations”—including a dialogue of religions as an important component of civilizations—increasingly replace Samuel R. Huntington’s “clash of civilizations.” All cultures and civilizations must adapt to global interdependence today and reframe how they relate to other cultures and civilizations. Whether the transition to a healthier, interdependent global community is more tumultuous or not depends on various factors, but one way or another such a transition is occurring. Policies that can help smooth the transition include: incorporate curriculum on global issues and other countries and cultures, civilizations, and religions into the education of all students starting at an early age and continuing through university education. Cultures and civilizations can conquer other cultures and on the surface predominate, but sometimes the values and behaviors of the conquered culture survive in various mutated ways, or even eventually co-opt the conquering culture.
