Matthew's review
The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order
by Samuel P. Huntington
Matthew's review
The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order by Samuel P. Huntington
Matthew's review
rating:
An important and influential political science book, written before 9/11, The Clash of Civilizations has proven both prophetic in its predictions (considering the future conflict with Islam nations as well as the current strife with Russia) as well as controversial, both in its statements regarding Islam and its possible influence upon foreign policy decisions during the Bush administration.
Most of the criticisms, I think, miss the point that Huntington is describing the world which he saw emerging, and how to avoid a major conflict, not trying to do any saber-rattling, and picture that he draws seems largely accurate. As he says, after the Cold War, it is difficult to break the world apart in to three groups anymore, and his pairings based on cultural and historical civilizations are as helpful in understanding the current political makeup as anything else I have encountered.
Most of the criticisms, I think, miss the point that Huntington is describing the world which he saw emerging, and how to avoid a major conflict, not trying to do any saber-rattling, and picture that he draws seems largely accurate. As he says, after the Cold War, it is difficult to break the world apart in to three groups anymore, and his pairings based on cultural and historical civilizations are as helpful in understanding the current political makeup as anything else I have encountered.
