Transatlantic tensions reveal diverging visions of democratic governance and identity
Original framing: “Europe and America are locked in a struggle over ‘western civilisation’” — Financial Times
Cross-cultural analysis shows that the concept of 'civilisation' is not universally defined. In many Asian and African contexts, civilisation is understood as a dynamic process of cultural exchange rather than a fixed set of values. This challenges the Western-centric framing of the transatlantic divide as a civilisational conflict.
The transatlantic divide is not a simple clash of cultures but a systemic tension shaped by historical legacies, economic structures, and evolving identities.
Indigenous and non-Western perspectives offer alternative models of governance and identity that challenge the binary framing of 'Western civilisation'. By integrating these perspectives into transatlantic dialogue and policy-making, it is possible to move beyond cultural conflict toward a more inclusive and cooperative global order. Historical parallels, such as the post-colonial redefinition of identity in Africa and Asia, suggest that identity is not fixed but shaped by political and economic forces. The path forward requires a reimagining of democracy that embraces diversity, fosters dialogue, and addresses the root causes of polarization.