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Huntington’s Clash of Civilizations theory: An Imperialist Viewpoint



Since the atrocities in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001, Islam and Muslims have become the main subject matter of discussion throughout the world. The threat for the West is emerging not from ideology rather from religion, which, has always, had a reputation of being a violent faith. Since then, the understanding of Islam has become paramount to justify the effects that it has to the global affairs.

Samuel P. Huntington’s Clash of Civilisation theory has become vital to analyse the pattern of global conflicts, which, have been transformed from ideology to religion. The collapse of communism in the Soviet Union and the dismantling of Eastern bloc left a vacuum of parties/powers in international conflicts. Since then, the West revived the old rivalries between Christianity and Eastern faiths especially emphasising Islam as a major opponent to uphold the beliefs of Western civilisations.

The argument that Huntington put forward in his theory obviously is one tainted by Western perspectives. There is no tangible consideration given to Eastern values, which are based on religion. The refutable explanations given in his articles are clearly undermining the basic concept of the Eastern faiths especially Islam. The negative picture, which has been portrayed, not only enhances the very nature of views on Islam but rather damaging the basic elements that the faith emphasises - the importance of upholding peace and tolerance.

The view Huntington has of Islam and Muslims is highly questionable. He wants the West to know the ‘enemy’ in order to safeguard the interests of the West on global affairs. The fear that he has further can be observed in his argument that Islam and Confucianism will collaborate together and eventually go against the West in future.

These negative projections made by international news agencies have a huge impact on the face of Islam globally. Islam is seen as a violent, fanatical, uncivilised and oppressed biased religion throughout the world and this has been preached and orchestrated by the western media. This is obviously a collective and well devised plan of the West with the intention of undermining Islam and Muslims so that the West can have absolute control of their movements and interests. History has taught the West that if they fail to suppress others, in this case Muslims, the consequents on the West is that they will be conquered and dominated.

The West views the migration of immigrants all over the world particularly from Muslim countries to Europe and North America as an invasion. The emergence of right wing parties gaining popularity throughout Europe in the recent general election has confirmed fears of this incursion. In the Netherlands, the emergence of the Pim Foutryn Party, which, imposed restrictions on immigrants and in France the interest that Jean-Marie Le Pen got on his anti-immigrant platform significantly demonstrated the change of heart of the West on the view of immigrants especially Muslims.


This is a significant shift of policy on Muslims countries by the West since the collapse of Communism. The September 11th attacks have affirmed the fears and reinforced the deep-seated aggression of the West to depress and harm Muslims throughout the world.

The rivalry and continuous aggression of West towards Islam and Muslims will not benefit the world as a whole. The massacre of Jenin in Palestine and the continuous instability in the Middle East has built up the mistrust of Muslims towards West. The War on Terrorism, the War against Iraq and Afghanistan has left a huge negative impact on Muslims worldwide. Further the statement embarked by the current US President recently on war on terrorism (‘either you are with us or otherwise) had demonstrated to the world that Muslims throughout the world have been forced to take and make a stand. This sort of situation wills to further demoralise the faith that Muslims have on the current establishment. Just as the late Pope John Paul II had successfully bridged the gap between Muslims, Christians and Jews in one understanding, there is a bright future to look forward to rather going back to the primitive theory of Huntington. 


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