DIALOGUE OF CIVILIZATIONS: the Self and The Other

This book is a contribution to Arab-Muslim-Western dialogue. The book underlines the hazardous consequences of the strategy of preemptive war on this dialogue. According to the author, Samuel Huntington s Clash of Civilizations has provoked a needless tension among peoples who are naturally keen on their cultures in this globalizing world. The book also stresses the importance of intra- and inter-Arab dialogue, which can foster tolerance, coexistence, and world peace. The introduction deals with conceptual and terminological issues related to the notions of dialogue and civilization , and their close link with relevant terms such as citizenship and culture . The first part, titled Dialogue, Civilization, and Responsibility , purports the necessity of dialogue among civilizations. It attempts to disclose the hegemony of the Other and to clarify the role of dialogue among civilizations, as a choice and a duty. This part discusses the significant contribution of Arab-Islamic civilization