Misinterpretation of Chinese Civilization in Huntington’s “Clash of Civilizations”

Abstract

Samuel Huntington’s theory of the clash of civilizations has caused extensive as well as profound discussions in academic circles, and its theory is prescient. The theory of the clash of civilizations has been widely spread, but there are also many controversies. In Huntington’s exposition, he described the Confucian ideological system as a religious product, which is inconsistent with reality. In China, Confucianism is regarded as a moral principle, such as respecting the old and loving the young. Confucian culture is just a complete philosophical theory, just like Taoism and Legalism. These two are also two important ideas produced at the same time as Confucianism. Secondly, under the background of China’s multi-ethnic history, it is natural that many people of different nationalities live together in China, and naturally, they also have different beliefs. Huntington believes that Chinese culture is centered on the Han people, but in fact, Chinese culture is the product of national integration, and the cultures of all ethnic groups are included in it, not just the culture of the Han people. Finally, regarding China’s rise, China has no history of hegemony, and “harmony” is the core of the Chinese nation. The concern of western countries about China’s rise is that the West brings itself into China’s role by predicting all the menace, not China’s ideas. The theory of civilization conflict affords a viewpoint to apprehend the world political order and human culture. In the hope of a compatible human world, precautions should be taken for the potential conflicts, and the Chinese civilization should not be viewed as a menace but as a solution.