The “Clash of Civilizations” is a theory by Samuel P. Huntington (first published in a 1993 Journal of Foreign Affairs). This theory states that, in a post cold-war era, societies will continuously clash against one other over disputes of religion and cultural purity [click here to view the Foreign Affairs article]. This theory has since been incorporated into several political ideologies and has influenced the foreign affairs of several countries. While this theory is provocative and is applicable, in many instances, as a convenient (albeit simple) analysis of some foreign relations, it is also poses an obstacle to developing healthy relationships between societies in conflict with one another.
The Clash of Civilazations music project, produced by two Boston based composers (Milan Kovacev and Nikola Radan), is a talented antithesis to Huntington’s theory. This project utilizes music as the language for engaging all societies and for disproving the myth that each is fundamentally different from the other.
As any honest attempt to understand another culture will consider that culture’s historical record, as well as its contemporary form, the Clash of Civilizations Music Project uses modern techniques to dissect the musical tradition of several ‘clashing’ societies in order to expose the true heart of collaboration between them.
To listen to the music and gain more insight into the project, please visit their wesite: www.clashofcivilzationsmusic.com