Religion and global conflict

Huntingdon

The clash of civilisations

He argued that globalisation has increased contact between civilisations, leading to conflicts based on cultural and religious differences rather than social class or economics. He believed that Islam was particularly incompatible with Western values of democracy and modernity, creating hostile ‘us and them’ relationships. However, critics argue that Huntington unfairly portrays Islam as violent, ignores political and economic causes of conflict, and overlooks the diversity within religions and cultures.

Norris + Inglehart

The ‘real’ clash of civilisations

They argue that Huntington was only partly correct because culture does matter, but the real divide between Islam and the West is more about sex and gender issues (Eros) than democracy (Demos). Karen Armstrong argues that conflict is caused by Western foreign policy in the Middle East, rather than cultural differences. She claims that Western countries support oppressive regimes and continue to support Israel despite its treatment of Palestinians, creating hostility towards the West.

Armstrong

She argues that conflict between Islamic societies and the West is caused by Western foreign policy, rather than cultural differences. She claims that Western countries, such as the UK and USA, support oppressive regimes and Israel despite its treatment of Palestinians. This suggests that hostility towards the West is a reaction to political actions and perceived double standards, rather than an inevitable clash between religions.

Bruce

He argues that the role of religion in conflict varies, as religion can justify wars caused by political or ethnic differences, or be the main cause of conflict itself. Religious and non-religious factors are often intertwined, meaning conflicts can involve religion, nationality and ethnicity simultaneously. Therefore, conflict cannot always be explained by religion alone, as its importance differs depending on the situation.