Civilizational Dialogue and Political Thought

'Dialogue of Civilizations' means a true understanding of the world's cultural map and taking a critical look at the 'self' and the 'other.' It presupposes knowledge of the past heritage while seeking and encouraging new experiences. . . . As a new chapter in human history, 'Dialogue of Civilizations' can upgrade human relations from the stage of negative tolerance to positive cooperation. According to this notion, 'others' should not just be tolerated, but be accepted as partners. 'Dialogue of Civilizations' starts with toleration and leads to respect for the other's freedom, while maintaining self-trust and trust in the world. -- from the foreword by Mohammed Khatami, Former President of Iran
This collection of essays exemplifies what it endeavors to describe and advocate: the possibility and intellectual benefits of dialogue among civilizations. -- Ahmad Sadri, Lake Forest College
A highly significant contribution to the effort to form new foundations for international relations, this book brings to western readers a rare occasion to become familiar with Iranian thinkers and their rich visions regarding contemporary international conflicts. Responding to the incendiary notion of 'Clash of Civilizations' and its antidote 'Dialogue among Civilizations,' proposed by President Khatami, these Iranian thinkers establish a dialogue of their own with their western counterparts to forge sophisticated theoretical approaches for building consensual global bonds among nations and civilizations. -- Farzin Vahdat, author of God and Juggernaut: Iran's Intellectual Encounter with Modernity
In an insane world of global panic where war, terrorism, violence, nuclear proliferation, and security have dominated our daily discourse, to discuss dialogue is both refreshing and a good reminder. It is refreshing that the discussion has taken place in Tehran, the place the popular media depicts as the centre of violence and terrorism. This discussion is also a reminder that while humans are capable of clash and violence, we are also a species of reason and constructive interaction. This collection of a dozen essays skillfully captures many sophisticated dimensions of this trait in human civilization. -- Farhang Rajaee, Carleton University