Description
Book SynopsisCivilizations and World Order: Geopolitics and Cultural Difference examines the role of civilizations in the context of the existing and possible world order(s) from a cross-cultural and inter-disciplinary perspective. Contributions seek to clarify the meaning of such complex and contested notions as civilization, order, and world order; they do so by taking into account political, economic, cultural, and philosophical dimensions of social life. The book deals with its main theme from three angles or vectors: first, the geopolitical or power-political context of civilizations; secondly, the different roles of civilizations or cultures against the backdrop of post-coloniality and Orientalism; and thirdly, the importance of ideological and regional differences as factors supporting or obstructing world order(s). All in all, the different contributions demonstrate the impact of competing civilizational trajectories on the functioning or malfunctioning of contemporary world order.
Trade ReviewEvery so often a book comes our way which challenges us to think outside the box. This rich collection of essays does just that. Each author, while reflecting his own distinctive philosophical and cultural standpoint, addresses two questions which go to the heart of our current predicament. Given the steady decline of Western political and cultural hegemony side by side with accelerating globalization, what are the prospects of constructing a relatively peaceful world order? Is civilizational difference part of the problem or part of the solution? The answers are diverse, often provocative, and invariably insightful. -- Joseph A. Camilleri, La Trobe University
These chapters provide a single powerful message: to understand each other is often difficult and demanding, but it is by far the most profitable strategy for international politics. And it is ultimately intellectually rewarding. -- Daniele Archibugi, University of London
Table of ContentsForeword: Civilizational Revival in the Global Age Ahmet Davutoğlu Introduction Fred Dallmayr, M. Akif Kayapınar and İsmail Yaylacı Part I: Geopolitics and World Order 1. Geopolitical Turmoil and Civilizational Pluralism Richard Falk 2. Civilization as Instrument of World Order? The Role of the Civilizational Paradigm in the Absence of a Balance of Power Hans Köchler 3. Power in the Analysis of World Orders Raymond Duvall and Çiğdem Çıdam 4. International Society, Cultural Diversity, and the Clash (or Dialogue) of Civilizations Chris Brown Part II: Eurocentrism and Cultural Difference 5.The Formative Parameters of Civilizations: A Theoretical and Historical Framework Ahmet Davutoğlu 6.Western Democrats, Oriental Despots? S. Sayyid 7.The Ottoman Empire and the Global Muslim Identity in the Formation of Eurocentric World Order, 1815-1919 Cemil Aydın 8.Beyond the “Enlightenment Mentality”: An Anthropocosmic Perspective Tu Weiming Part III: Liberalism, Global and Regional Orders 9.Globalization, Civilizations, and World Order Robert Gilpin 10.Liberalism of Restraint and Liberalism of Imposition: Liberal Values and World Order in the New Millennium Georg Sørensen 11.The Rise of a Neo-medieval Order in Europe Jan Zielonka 12.Illusions, Dreams and Nightmares: Japan, the United States, and the East Asian Renaissance in the First Decade of the New Century John Welfield
