Conclusions
The conference “Who Speaks for Islam? Who Speaks for the West?” was anchored in three moments: (1) a historical outlook on the long–standing issues characterizing the difficult relationship between Islam and the West; (2) the dramatic events and global changes of the post–September 11, 2001, era; and (3) the immediate escalation of that dynamic in the context of the Danish cartoons crisis that erupted shortly before the conference. Against this multilayered context, conference discussions aimed at three objectives: (1) reining in the forces of irresponsibility, insensitivity, and intolerance; (2) engaging constructively in critical self–reflection; and (3) considering creatively the practical policy implications of these outcomes.
An immediate and widely shared conclusion was the rejection of the inevitability of the clash of civilizations, indeed, of the notion of clash itself. Participants preferred to frame the current situation as a “difficult moment” of disagreement and differing perceptions and interpretations, echoing the consensus reached by participants in Dialogues’ first international conference, “Clash of Civilizations or Clash of Perceptions?” held in Granada, Spain, in October 2002. To be certain, profound differences exist and were acknowledged by participants, notably the interesting paradox that, in the view of some participants, resides at the heart of the relationship between Islam and the West. These participants argued that from a religion devoid of a clergy and intercessionary corps, Islam evolved historically toward more institutionalized forms of practice and, especially, discourse. This is particularly true in modern times, as demonstrated in regional and international policy pronouncements in crisis situations. The West, however, has moved from centralized and highly organized religious structures, embodied for centuries in the power of the Catholic Church, toward multifaceted practice and no particular cohesion in its public discourse.
The second major aspect of the discussions was the identification of the contradictory tendencies and perceptions, including illegitimate ones, which increasingly characterize the exchange between Islam and the West. Specifically, the “hijacking of discourse” by radicals on both sides was understood as a significant impediment to progress and genuine dialogue. Strengthened educational structures, more responsible media, and improved societal tolerance were identified as conditions for establishing proper trust and understanding.
Third, the discussions demonstrated strong existing incentives for overcoming misperceptions. Among these, the apolitical role of technology (and of a global community of scientists) is an asset that can be made to work, in particular, to the benefit of the Muslim world.
The debates also showcased a variety of perspectives in relation to both the locus of the problem between Islam and the West and the type and extent of prescriptions necessary to address it. Whereas some argued that something “went wrong” in the Muslim world causing socioeconomic and technological decline, others regarded politics as the crux of the conflict.
Disagreements also emerged concerning the core values of each civilization and how these could be affected by an effort to ameliorate the relationship with “the other.” With the Danish cartoons crisis weighing on participants’ minds, some were adamant that free speech, though not absolute, is preeminent and could suffer no relativisms. Others considered mutual respect a value equal with free speech and argued that, for all its sanctity, freedom of expression could not excuse disrespect of “the other.”
As for prescriptions for improving the Muslim–Western relationship, the conference raised more questions than it could hope to answer. Are urgent changes needed domestically, regionally, or globally? Is the breaking of some long–held practices a factor ushering positive change and modernization, or is it merely disruptive and counterproductive?
Finally, consensus was achieved where it most matters: participants unanimously reaffirmed the principles of coexistence and civilized alliance, which are essential to an informed reappraisal and recalibration of the relationship between Islam and the West. The conference’s proceedings constitute a flexible platform upon which such recalibration can begin.
Back to the top.
Table of Contents
- Director’s Preface
- Message from Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary–General
- Executive Summary
- Opening Session
- Session I—Improving Mutual Perception Through the Media
- Session II—The Impact of Globalization on the Muslim World
- Session III—The Challenges Posed by Science and Technology to the Muslim–Western Relationship
- Session IV—What Is the Future Framework for the Muslim–Western Relationship?
- Closing Session
- Conclusions
- Notes to Sessions
Appendices I — IV
- I: Conference Program
- II: List of Participants
- III: Mustapha Tlili’s Opening Statement
- IV: Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s Keynote Address
Appendix V: Background Paper — “Who Speaks for Islam?”
- Introduction
- The Ulama
- Multiple Sovereignties and Nation–States
- Self–Proclaimed Islamic States
- The Islamists
- Transnational Islamist Networks
- Voices of a New Ijtihad
- Conclusion
- Notes to Appendix V
Appendix VI: Background Paper — “Who Speaks for the West?”
Understanding Islam
Coming soon.
