Fear and Faith: Religion as an International Security Issue

Abstract

Since Sept. 11, it has become fashionable to talk of a “clash of civilizations” between the West and Islam. The world may now be standing on the brink of a long conflict, perhaps a new “cold war” that features small-scale, but spectacular violence. Ole Waever argues that there is a real danger that the West will once again see only what is wrong with the “other,” and will be unable to discern the overall nature and pattern of the conflict. In order to engage in constructive dialogue, he said, it is crucial that we make an effort to understand what drives the clash in the international arena and why both sides feel so threatened by one another.