This book is a contribution to Arab-Muslim-Western dialogue. The book underlines the hazardous consequences of the strategy of preemptive war on this dialogue. According to the author, Samuel Huntington s Clash of Civilizations has provoked a needless tension among peoples who are naturally keen on their cultures in this globalizing world. The book also stresses the importance of intra- and inter-Arab dialogue, which can foster tolerance, coexistence, and world peace. The introduction deals with conceptual and terminological issues related to the notions of dialogue and civilization , and their close link with relevant terms such as citizenship and culture . The first part, titled Dialogue, Civilization, and Responsibility , purports the necessity of dialogue among civilizations. It attempts to disclose the hegemony of the Other and to clarify the role of dialogue among civilizations, as a choice and a duty. This part discusses the significant contribution of Arab-Islamic civilization to dialogue, and the historical legacy of Arab culture and Arabs perspective of dialogue. The second part, titled Obstacles and Dialogue , is concerned with the study of subjective and objective obstacles to dialogue among civilizations. It debates about the external challenges faced by Arab nations, and the conflict of interests and socio-economic inequity in the Middle East and North Africa. The third part, which is titled Spaces and Horizons of Dialogue , is devoted to the vital role of science and knowledge in the institutionalization of dialogue. This part also discusses the central place of economic development in promoting mutual understanding and dialogue among nations, namely in the fields of industry, agriculture, tourism, and education.

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