Introduction to Cultural Diversity

Cultural Diversity
Boutkhil Guemide
University Mohammed Boudiaf, M’sila
Algeria

 INTRODUCTION
 What is Diversity?
 Cultural Diversity: Definitions
 The Factors of Cultural Diversity
 Cultural Diversity: Which roles?
 Cultural Diversity: The Benefits
 Reflections of Cultural Diversity on people
 Positive Vs. Negative
 Cultural Diversity Within the frameworks
of Clash of Civilisations Vs. Dialogue of
Civilisations.

INTRODUCTION
"ْ‫م‬َ‫ل‬‫أ‬َْ‫ر‬َ‫ت‬ْ‫ن‬‫أ‬‫هللا‬‫نزل‬‫أ‬‫من‬‫سامء‬‫ل‬‫ا‬َْ‫ماء‬‫خرجنا‬‫فأ‬‫به‬ْ‫ات‬‫ر‬‫مث‬‫ت‬‫خم‬ْ‫لفا‬‫اهنا‬‫و‬‫ل‬‫أ‬.‫ومن‬‫بال‬‫جل‬‫ا‬
ْ‫دد‬ُ‫ج‬ْ‫يض‬‫ب‬ْ‫ر‬ ُ‫وُح‬ْ‫تلف‬‫خم‬‫اهنا‬‫و‬‫ل‬‫أ‬،‫ابيب‬‫ر‬‫وغ‬‫سود‬*‫ومن‬‫ن‬‫ل‬‫ا‬‫اس‬‫اب‬‫و‬‫ادل‬‫و‬‫نعام‬‫ال‬‫و‬
ْ‫تلف‬‫خم‬‫نه‬‫ا‬‫و‬‫ل‬‫أ‬،‫كذكل‬‫منا‬‫ا‬‫خيىش‬َْ‫هللا‬‫من‬‫باده‬‫ع‬ُْ‫ء‬‫العلام‬‫ن‬‫ا‬‫هللا‬‫ع‬ْ‫يز‬‫ز‬‫غفور‬."
"‫ومن‬‫ايته‬‫أ‬ُْ‫خلق‬‫ات‬‫و‬‫سام‬‫ل‬‫ا‬‫رض‬‫ال‬‫و‬‫اختالف‬‫و‬‫نتمك‬‫س‬‫ل‬‫أ‬‫و‬‫انمك‬‫و‬‫ل‬‫أ‬،ْ‫ن‬‫ا‬‫يف‬‫ذكل‬
ْ‫ايت‬‫ل‬‫للعاملني‬"
 Seest Thou not that Allah Sends down rain from the sky? with it we then bring out
produce of various colors. and In the mountains are tracts white and red, of various
shades of color, and black intense In hue. And so amongst men and crawling
creatures and cattle, are They of various colors. those truly fear Allah, among His
servants, who have knowledge: for Allah is Exalted In Might, Oft-Forgiving (35: 27-
28).
 And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations
In your languages and your colors: Verily In that are Signs for those who know (30:
22).

 These verses state clearly the nature of “Diversity” in the globe,
 The human community is also characterized of being “Diverse”,
too,
 Scholars, researchers, and scientists are the societies’ leaders
and think tanks,
 They should respect this “Diversity” and call other people for
taking this phenomenon into account,
 As a part of society, culture has been manifested in different ways
through different times and places,
 This “Diversity” has existed in different identities which
characterized human societies, and which interacted with each
other,
 As these diverse human societies grow more and more, people,
despite their differences, live and integrate within societies and
communities which are best characterized of their cultural
diversity.

CULTURE:
The values beliefs,
standards, behavioral
norms, and patterns of
thinking developed by a
group of people and
passed on to new members
in order to ensure group
survival.
DIVERSITY:
Used to refer to all
sorts of differences;
such as, a particular
lifestyle, gender, or
color.
MAINSTREAM CULTURE:
The prevailing social, economic,
political norms, values, and
beliefs for a particular
environment (often referred to as
the dominant, core, or majority
culture).
SUBCULTURE:
A group of people who share
cultural characteristics, which
are unique and can be
differentiated from others
within the society (a culture
within a culture).
ORGANIZATIONAL
CULTURE:
The written and unwritten
rules that are observed in
a particular organization
(What is valued in an
organization).

Diversity
 Diversity: A commonly used concept; It is a wide concept that
could mean many things.
 Diversity: A contested term with many different definitions
(Nkomo & Taylor, 1999).
 Many people only refer diversity to race and ethnicity, but the
concept includes much more today (Stevens & Ogunji, 2011).
 Parvis (2003) emphasized that diversity exists in every
society and every workplace. It includes culture and ethnicity
as well as difference in physical abilities/ qualities, languages,
class, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
 Accordingly, diversity brings great benefits that enrich our
lives in many ways.

 Loden and Rosener (1991) divided the concept into two
categories; primary dimensions and secondary dimensions.
 The primary dimensions: the unchangeable differences that are
inborn and have an important impact on our development in early
socialization as well as for our ongoing life.
 These would include age, gender, ethnicity, physical features, race
and sexual orientation.
 The secondary dimensions are explained as things that can be
changed; such as, education, geographic location, income, marital
status and religious beliefs.
 These two dimensions are very important to how people relate to
others and see the world.
 Diversity: “a mixture of people with different group identities within
the same social system” (Nkomo & Taylor, 1999).

 Cultural diversity has emerged as a key concern at the turn of a new century.
 Globalization and the liberalization of the goods and services market led to
cultural standardization, reinforcing existing imbalances between cultures.
 The end of the Cold War and the eclipse of political ideologies resulted in
new religious, cultural, and even ethnic lines, preluding a possible ‘clash of
civilizations’.
 Cultural diversity is similarly posing a challenge to the principles of
international cooperation: it is invoked by some to contest universally
recognized human rights, while others— like UNESCO— hold firmly to the
view that full and unqualified recognition of cultural diversity strengthens the
universality of human rights and ensures their effective exercise.

Cultural Diversity: Definitions
 Cox (1993): “the representation, in one social system, of people
with distinctly different group affiliations of cultural significance”.
 Cultural diversity: the presence of different cultures
within a social system, which differ in values, norms and behavior.
 A mixture of people with different group identities within the same
social system; one with cultural significance.
 Cultural diversity is the quality of diverse or different cultures, as
opposed to monoculture, the global monoculture, or a
homogenization of cultures. It also refers to having different
cultures respect each other's differences.
 The variety of human societies or cultures in a specific region, or
in the world as a whole.

 Cultural diversity refers to differences among people because of their racial or
ethnic backgrounds, language, dress and traditions.
 An example of cultural diversity is how the Chinese immigrants to the United
States had a hard time adapting to American culture and instead chose to
live in communities with large concentrations of Chinese.
 Cultural diversity refers to having a variety of cultures or human societies
within a specific region.
 Cultural diversity is possible when individuals accept, acknowledge and value
the different ways in which people interact and live in the world.
 Cultural diversity is based on an understanding that even if people have
cultural differences, they desire the same things: acceptance, well-being,
security, esteem and equity.
 Cultural diversity is based on the idea that people should not ignore or
discard their cultural identities but rather value and maintain them. The
foundation of cultural diversity is that every race or culture contributes
positively to social and economic development.

 UNESCO notes that cultural diversity depends
on the flow of human population across
borders, and it is a source of creativity,
innovation and social exchange.
 UNESCO reveals that policies for participation
and inclusion of all people promote social
cohesion, peace and the vitality of a culturally
diverse society.
 Cultural diversity is a means to a more
emotional, spiritual, intellectual and moral
existence.

UNESCO Article 1: Cultural diversity: the common heritage
of humanity
Culture takes diverse forms across time and space.
This diversity is embodied in the uniqueness and
plurality of the identities of the groups and societies
making up humankind. As a source of exchange,
innovation and creativity, cultural diversity is as
necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for
nature. In this sense, it is the common heritage of
humanity and should be recognized and affirmed for
the benefit of present and future generations
(UNESCO, Paris, Nov. 2, 2001).

Diversity exists within any cultural
group.
Not everyone from the same culture
behaves and thinks in the same way.
There are differences within the same
cultural group due to:
The subculture/ or subgroup the person
belongs to;
The person’s unique experience;
Personal/ or individual factors.

 The International governmental conference of cultural
policies for sustainable development held in Stockholm
(Mar. 30- Apr. 2, 1998) has insisted on the roles of
cultural policies in providing the suitable environment,
in which talented abilities will flourish and develop,
and in regard to the social, economic, technological,
and cultural changes, and the differences that exist in
the world, adopts the followings:
 Cultural creativity is the source of human
development; cultural diversity is a human richness
and a developmental factor.
 Cultural policies should promote creativity in all its
forms, manages to benefit from the various cultural
practices and experiences of individuals regardless of
the sex, gender, age, etc., and enriches the
individuals’ feeling of belonging to their societies.

Cultural Diversity: The Benefits
 Successful communities: A social fabric which is
composed of multiple ethnic and religious
groups that have different cultures
Cultural cross- pollination
Multicultural system

 However, all is linked to the political system, or
policy- making in these societies,
 Cultural diversity needs a more liberalized
environment to ensure freedom of expression
under a democratic system which provides
equal opportunities to all members,
 The more cultural diversity is available and
protected by politicians, the richer and more
influential it becomes in renewing the
community in its ideas, orientations, and
activities.
 The first primary advantage of cultural
diversity: To constitute a homogeneous social
fabric (multi- cultures)

 The factor of ethnic diversity may lead to conflicts
and rivalry between the social fabrics,
 However, in case of recognizing, accepting,
protecting, and developing cultural diversity among
minorities and ethnic community, it will be a
completed process towards building a more
liberalized community with modern advantages that
make it easier for catching up other advanced
contemporary free societies.
 Cultural diversity in the community: An important
factor and catalyst for all forms and types of
development,
 Is not limited to the development of culture; It
helps talents and creativity of human development
in all fields,

Article 3: Cultural diversity as a factor
in development.
Cultural diversity widens the range of
options open to everyone; it is one of
the roots of development, understood
not simply in terms of economic growth,
but also as a means to achieve a more
satisfactory intellectual, emotional,
moral and spiritual existence. (UNESCO
Universal Declaration on Cultural
Diversity).

 Cultural diversity leads to the creation of an
integrated and sophisticated life system:
Among the most important benefits of cultural
diversity,
 It provides the individual opportunities to
express his opinions, whether through art,
culture, politics, or other means that are
guaranteed by a democratic system which
protects, promotes, and makes it available to
everyone without exception. Thus, it
constitutes a mutual force between the political
power and the diverse community diversity.

 It is important political leaders and decision
makers in the community to cooperate with
various NGOs and civil society organizations to
protect cultural diversity within the same
society.
Creating a state of rapid evolution in society
Building a society that accepts, embraces, and
helps individuals continuous innovation and
development.
.

 Article 4: Human rights as guarantees of
cultural diversity.
 The defense of cultural diversity is an ethical
imperative, inseparable from respect for
human dignity. It implies a commitment to
human rights and fundamental freedoms, in
particular the rights of persons belonging to
minorities and those of indigenous peoples.
No one may invoke cultural diversity to
infringe upon human rights guaranteed by
international law, nor to limit their scope.
(UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural
Diversity).

 Article 6: Towards access for all to cultural
diversity.
 While ensuring the free flow of ideas by word
and image, care should be exercised that all
cultures can express themselves and make
themselves known. Freedom of expression,
media pluralism, multilingualism, equal access
to art and to scientific and technological
knowledge, including in digital form, and the
possibility for all cultures to have access to the
means of expression and dissemination are the
guarantees of cultural diversity.

 Article 9: Cultural policies as catalysts of
creativity
 While ensuring the free circulation of ideas and
works, cultural policies must create conditions
conducive to the production and dissemination
of diversified cultural goods through cultural
industries that have the means to assert
themselves at the local and global level. It is
for each State, with due regard to its
international obligations, to define its cultural
policy and to implement it through the means it
considers fit, whether by operational support or
appropriate regulations.

The role of UNESCO
 UNESCO, by virtue of its mandate and functions, has the
responsibility to:
 (a) Promote the incorporation of the principles set out in the
present Declaration into the development strategies drawn
up within the various intergovernmental bodies;
 (b) Serve as a reference point and a forum where States,
international governmental and non- governmental
organizations, civil society and the private sector may join
together in elaborating concepts, objectives and policies in
favor of cultural diversity;
 (c) Pursue its activities in standard- setting, awareness
raising and capacity- building in the areas related to the
present Declaration within its fields of competence;
 (d) Facilitate the implementation of the Action Plan, the
main lines of which are appended to the present Declaration.

Cultural
Diversity
The End of History
The Dialogue of
Civilizations
The Clash of
Civilizations

Cultural diversity and History’s End
 Youshihirou Francis Fukuyama:
 Birth: 1952, Chicago
 US Citizen
 Neo- Conservative
 US modern philosopher and thinker
 Graduation: B. A & M. A Political
Philosophy, University of Cornel; Ph D.
in Political Sciences from Harvard
University.
 Job History: US Department of State;
teaching positions; US Strategic
Planning Research Center; Director of
International Developmental Program
(University of John Hopkins)
 Publications: The End of History and
the Last Man (1992)

Summary of main argument
 The End of History and the Last Man:
Francis Fukuyama controversially argued
that that the end of the Cold War signals
the end of the progression of human
history.
 Fukuyama famously argues that:
 ‘What we may be witnessing in not just the
end of the Cold War, or the passing of a
particular period of post-war history, but
the end of history as such: that is, the end
point of mankind's ideological evolution and
the universalization of Western liberal
democracy as the final form of human
government.’

 Basically, Fukuyama’s theory is based on:
 Democracy has been growing since 19th century,
and has been promoted as a civilizational and
alternative regime to dictatorships all over the
world;
 The struggle of history will only be resolved by
Western Democracy and Free Market policies;
 Socialism and Communism will never defy Western
Democracy; therefore, the future is paved for
Capitalism.
 “Islam is no more effective outside the boundaries
of the Islamic culture. So, it is nowadays possible
to penetrate Islam in the long term with liberal
ideas”

 According to Francis Fukuyama, pride and
appreciation should be attributed only to
Western Civilization which reached its peak
and utmost with several inventions and the
progress made in several field that is
apparently seen and noticeable in better
conditions of living provided to humans.
 As a neo- conservative, Fukuyama calls for a
new world with only one dominant culture
and civilization (headed by the Western
one). Moreover, the minor civilizations and
cultures must be erased to be totally
replaced by the Western values.

Cultural diversity and the Clash of Civilisations
 Samuel Huntington:
 Birth: Apr. 18, 1927, NY
 Graduation: B. A (1946) Yale University; M. A.
(1948) Chicago University; Ph D. (1951) Harvard
University.
 Job History:
 1959- 62: Director of Center of War & Peace
Studies in Columbia University
 67- 71: Teacher at Harvard University
 72- 86: Foreign Affairs
 86- 87: Head of American Association of Political
Sciences
 87- 89: Director of Harvard Center of World
Issues
 89- 99: Director of John Olan Center of Strategic
Studies
 99- 2007: President of Harvard Academy of
International Studies
 Death: Dec. 27, 2008
 Publications: The Clash of Civilizations and the
Remaking of the New World (1996).

Huntington’s Thesis
 Huntington (1996) quoted in his book (The
Clash of Civilizations):
In this new (post- Cold war) world the
most pervasive, important and dangerous
conflicts will not be between social classes,
rich and poor, or other economically defined
groups, but between peoples belonging to
different cultural entities. Tribal wars and
ethnic conflicts will occur within civilizations.
And the most dangerous cultural conflicts are
those along the fault lines between
civilizations. (p. 28)

1) “In the post-Cold War world, the most important
distinctions among peoples are not ideological,
political, or economic. They are cultural.”
Huntington 1996 p.21
2) Global politics is multi-polar and multi-
civilizational: NOT a ‘Westernization’ of non-
Western states.
3) The balance of population is shifting with a decline
in the West, Asia is expanding, and Islam is
expanding demographically.

6) Civilizational cultures are defined by: common objective
elements (language, history, religion, customs,
institutions) & by subjective self-identification (‘us’ and
‘them’).
7) Civilizational cultures are based mainly on religion: (p43-
48)
Western Christianity, Islamic, Orthodox, Latin American,
Sinic, Japanese, Hindu, Buddhist, African (?)
8) “Conflict between groups in different civilizations will be
more frequent, more sustained and more violent than
conflicts between groups in the same civilization.” (1993,
48)
9) “Nation states will remain the most powerful actors in
world affairs, but the principle conflicts of global
politics will occur between nations and groups of
different civilizations. The clash of civilizations will
dominate global politics.”

Clash of Civilizations
Clash of Civilization
a clash of cultural spheres within a single
global civilization

Main Civilizations
The 7 main civilizations are:
Latin America
 Confucian
Japanese
 Islamic
 Hindu
 Slavic - Orthodox
 Western

Main Civilizations
• Japanese: Shintoism religion, not
open-minded
•Islamic: with human and universal
dimensions, very generous
•Confucian: introspective, self-
conscious, and intuition; feel at
ease in poverty and find their
delight in the pursuit of the Way

 Hindu: Composed of diverse
doctrines, cults, and ways of life.
 Slavic/Orthodox: Eastern and Central
Europe and the Balkans; Follow
Mostly the orthodox and catholic
churches
 Latin American: Are the latin
speaking countries in America;
Mainly Roman Catholic
Main Civilizations

Modernization v.s., and, or Westernization?
Western Civilization
The classical legacy
Western Christianity
European language
Separation of spiritual &
temporary authority
Rule of law
Representative bodies
individualism

Why civilizations will clash?
 Differences among civilizations are real and
basic: history, language, culture, tradition &
RELIGION
product of centuries
 The world is becoming smaller

Why civilizations will clash?
 Economic modernization & social change
throughout the world
 Dual Role of the West
↑ Civilization-consciousness
Non-Wests  tend to shape the world in
non-Western ways

Why civilization will clash?
 Cultural characteristics & differences  less
mutable; Political & economic issues  can
be compromised & resolved
 Increase in economic regionalism: Successful
regionalism  reinforce civilization
consciousness; Economic regionalism 
succeed only in a common civilization

Two levels for Clash of Civilization
Clash of Civilization occurs at two levels:
 Micro-level – struggle over the control of
territory and each other
 Macro-level – promote particular political &
religious values.

 Paul Wolfowitz
 Born: December 22, 1943. New
York.
 Education: Cornell University (BA)
(1965); University of
Chicago (MA, PhD) (1972)
 Political party : Republican
 CEO AEI: 2007-
 President of the World Bank
Group: 2005– 2007
 US Deputy Secretary of
Defense: 2001– 2005
 Undersecretary of Defense for
Policy: 1989– 1993
 US Ambassador to Indonesia:
1986– 1989

 The US has set up UNO in order to unite international
efforts against axes countries headed by Germany; The US
has succeeded to put an end to the Hitler’s imperialist
intentions. Accordingly, the US and countries agreed on
the fact that the UNO’s role will be to promote peace all
over the world.
 The Cold War: The UNO was ineffective because of the
Eastern Vs. Western Blocks Both the US and USSR
divided the world into spheres of influence.
 The end of the Cold War: The US has set up UNO in
order to unit international efforts against axes countries
headed by Germany; The US has succeeded to put an end
to the Hitler’s imperialist intentions. Accordingly, the US
and countries agreed on the fact that the UNO’s role will
be to promote peace all over the world.

 The US: The need for international cooperation in the UNO’s framework in its
conflict with axes power and the USSR. However, after the end of the Cold
War, the USSR became the world power and erased all lawful considerations
and references; it became the 1st country to frame the laws and protector of
international relations.
 “The US must rule the world” (Richard Nixon, The US and the Historical
Chance)
 With the absence of the UNO and its international reference, the US has
established chaos in the world.
 Since the formation of the US, the concept of strength has been an essential
part in in US politics and decision making. In US culture, strength is necessary
and legal to promote justice.
 Zebginew Brejenesky (The US and the principal of strength).
 The US & Islam religion: Replacing Islam with American Realism
 Islam has no role to play in Politics, culture, and society.
 Since the US has been powerful, it has to liberalize the world according to its
perspective. The world has to be shaped through the world power of the US.
 The fear of the rise of the Green Danger (Islam): Terrorism will rise and will
be promoted all over the Arab world (Al Qaeda and ISIS) which threatens the
US & EU.

 Paul Wolfwitz (Neo- Conservative & the
architect of the US invasion of Iraq):
The overall aim of the invasion was to
deprive the US rivals to set power centers
in the Middle East, and shoot every country
that intends to play a major role in the
region. If it were necessary to rely on
military power to achieve these aims, the
US would never cease to use it even it
waged a war alone.

Cultural diversity and the
Dialogue of Civilisations

 In the last century, the world has witnessed many
ideological changes that led into an era of
unprecedented conflicts, wars, destruction of the Berlin
Wall, the collapse of ex- USSR, the fall of Communism,
and transformation of the world into unipolarity led by
the US;
 Bipolarity: each block (representing a culture, or a
civilization) seeks to dominate the world so as to impose
its culture and values Clashes: Persia Vs. Rome;
Great Britain Vs. France; USSR Vs. US;
 Throughout history, there had been various examples of
civilizations struggling to achieve supremacy and global
domination;
 In case there emerges a single civilization which
dominates the world and still more wars conducted and
destruction and turmoil in the world.

 "Dialogue of Civilizations”:
Introduced by Rajaa Garaudy in 1977 as
a leading theory and a project to bring
different cultures together on the basis of
a common ground of understanding
between the peoples of the globe;
 " Dialogue of Civilizations”: “A real
dialogue of civilization will only be
effective if I consider the “Other”, and
the “Other Culture” being part of me,
living inside me, and exploring what I am
in need of.” (p. 134).
 "Dialogue of Civilizations”:
Continuous consultations and dynamisms
between peoples; the ability to accept
new ideas and thoughts (religious,
political, social, or cultural) without
prejudices which destroyed the world.

 The concept; thus, becomes important in
strengthening dialogue between peoples’
different cultures in order to build a real
cultural exchange among peoples.
 AKA “Dialogue of Cultures”: participatory
activities in generating ideas, thoughts, and
several cultural opinions among different
peoples.
 This leads to understand divergences among
civilizations; work to make them closer to
each other by exploring cultural relativity
which is based on particular characters; such
as, languages, ethics, history, religion, … etc.

Conditions
for
Dialogue of
Civilizations
Mutual
Respect
Respecting
Cultural
Particularity
No Bias/ or
preconceived
ideas
Understandig
Cultural
Effects

 “Dialogue of civilizations and
cultures”: Conceptualized by ex- Iranian
President Dr. Seyyad Muhamed Khatami.
 An elected head of state has raised the
level of political discourse to that of ideas,
and has suggested that dialogue between
politicians can succeed only to the extent
that they consider themselves philosophers.
 Khatami has elaborated his concept of
dialogue of civilizations on several
occasions: The summit of the Organization
of Islamic Conference (OIC), in Tehran on
Dec. 9-11, 1997, his visit to Rome.
 In Paris, he developed his thought further,
in a major speech delivered to the UN
Economic, Social, and Cultural Organization.
 His speech Before the 53rd Session of the
United Nations General Assembly New York,
September 21, 1998.

 Khatami: “dialogue” , meaning actual meetings for discussion, and
“civilization”, meaning “all cultural, artistic, scientific, and literary
endeavors.”
 Launching such a dialogue among cultures and civilizations, he said, “will
require the definitions of ‘culture,’ ‘civilization,’ and ‘man’ to be framed in
such a way that they do not clash with the very essence of dialogue.
 In this context, he developed the relationship between the politician and
the artist,
 “The common traits between the statesman and the artist are nothing
other than ‘creativity,’ and repetition and imitation are therefore
meaningless when it comes to creativity. Furthermore, the full
manifestation of creativity in a person depends on his or her ‘tenacity.’
“A great artist tackles the artistic truth with creativity and tenacity, and a
great statesman, likewise, tackles the fundamental and vital problems of
his country with the same tenacity, resoluteness, and creativity.
 “Today politicians can take a long stride toward the creation of a better
future, which is … more humane, and more beautiful, for their countries
and for the world, by helping the realization of the proposal for the
dialogue among civilizations.”

 “Positive mass cooperation”: “all human beings are entitled to participate in the
activities that will shape the world in the third millennium. No nation should be left on
the sidelines because of some philosophical, political, or economic argument. It is not
enough to tolerate others, but one must work with others. This cooperation should be
not only economic and political, but to bring the hearts of human beings closer
together.”
 This can occur only if “great thinkers” make an effort to understand the concepts of
others, and to communicate them. Such concepts include the meaning of life, of
happiness, and of death. To overcome the brutality and oppression which have
characterized the 20th century, and which were the “joint product of the ideas of
philosophers and the acts of statesmen,” Khatami called for “a basic change in political
thinking” and for “changing the present state of international relations, replacing it with
a new paradigm such as the dialogue among cultures and civilizations.”
 Khatami specified that his proposed dialogue as a prerequisite for peace, has nothing
to do with diplomatic negotiations. “It is a well-known fact that throughout history,
there have been many occasions when wars and negotiations have existed side by
side. By dialogue, we do not mean here the use of diplomatic language to promote
one’s political and economic interests and to bring about victory over the enemy, and
in short to continue the war in another form. The dialogue among civilizations cannot
take place without sympathy and affection, and without a genuine effort to understand
others without the desire to vanquish them.”
 "Thus, civilizations must be a base of common constants among them and proceed to a
dialogue that embraces pluralism and non- domination of one civilization over the
others. Therefore, this dialogue will enable each side to understand the other and
coexist with it; instead of collisions and wars.”

Conclusion
 Dialogue as a substitute to Clash:
 Depite the lack of clear results of the sessions of dialogue of civilizations (taking place in more
than one European capital), the idea is genius and represents an important task to bridge the
gap of mutual ignorance of "the other": his cultural and religious particularity.
 Towards a global civilization:
 Dalogue would be a means of building a global civilization in which the peoples and societies of
the contemporary world lived, but this aspiration contains some practical and intellectual
problems.
 A global civilization?
 The absence of cultural diversity, or neglecting the means of creativity which respect and
preserve diversity, and, on the other hand, build bridges of friendliness and respect among the
people of each culture.
 Therefore, those who seek to protect and respect cultural diversity believe that it an
introduction of a global civilization based on freedom, justice, and global peace. Others have
called for an alliance of civilizations committed to international law, human rights, tolerance,
citizenship and humanity.
 Dialogue of Elites :
 Intellectuals around the world represent different ideal and political perspectives;
 They are capable of reaching "the other": understanding and respecting him;
 These elites should be successful in communicating the meanings of communication with the
"the other"
 Therefore, it is necessary and inevitable to make several efforts to understand the different
particularities of "the other" and communicating them to the public.

Introduction to Cultural Diversity

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Introduction to Cultural Diversity