Scott K Phillips

Inter-faith Dialogue, Inter-cultural Dialogue: A Basis for Developing Global Security

Introduction

Inter-faith dialogue, inter-cultural dialogue: a basis for developing global security. Discover how inter-faith & inter-cultural dialogue fosters global security, addressing terrorism & building citizen-based community development.

Abstract

The paper will build on the case made by Bhikhu Parekh (2002) for the development of inter-cultural dialogue as the most strategically rational response to addressing terrorism and its underlying causes. The author relates Parekh's case to the literature on inter-faith dialogue as well as the author's own empirical involvement in a grassroots Muslim-Christian dialogue in the western suburbs of Melbourne following the events of September 11, 2001. The paper considers the nature and aims of inter-faith dialogue as well as inter-cultural dialogue, and explores how a dialogical approach to inter-group (including international) relations can assist in the development of a citizen-based, participatory and networked approach to local community development as well as global security.

Review

This paper presents a timely and highly relevant exploration into the potential of inter-faith and inter-cultural dialogue as a foundational strategy for enhancing global security, particularly in the context of addressing terrorism and its root causes. By building on Bhikhu Parekh's compelling arguments for inter-cultural dialogue, the author ambitiously seeks to bridge theoretical frameworks with practical, grassroots engagement. The stated aim to connect local initiatives, such as the Muslim-Christian dialogue in Melbourne, to broader concepts of global security is a significant and commendable endeavor, offering a fresh perspective on a complex issue. A key strength lies in the proposed synthesis of existing literature on inter-faith dialogue with Parekh's inter-cultural framework, enriched by the author's own empirical involvement. The abstract indicates a thorough examination of the "nature and aims" of both dialogue forms, which is crucial for establishing a robust theoretical basis. The paper's intention to demonstrate how a dialogical approach can foster citizen-based, participatory, and networked approaches to community development, and subsequently global security, highlights a valuable micro-to-macro analytical trajectory. This layered approach suggests a comprehensive investigation into how interpersonal interactions can scale up to address geopolitical challenges. While the premise is strong, a full realization of the paper's potential will depend on the rigorous articulation of the mechanisms through which these dialogues concretely translate into enhanced global security. The abstract would benefit from a clearer indication of the analytical framework used to connect the specific outcomes of a local Melbourne dialogue to broader issues of terrorism and global stability. Furthermore, an expert review would anticipate a robust discussion of potential challenges and limitations inherent in such dialogical approaches, as well as the specific criteria for evaluating their success in contributing to security. Demonstrating the causality and impact beyond anecdotal evidence will be critical for reinforcing the paper's significant claims.

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