Politics and Its Evolution
Politics is the mechanism by which decisions governing or affecting citizens are made (Huntington 6). Political trends and disputes have evolved over time, becoming more complex. External influences such as attitudes, history, and even religious elements are due to the changes. Historically, the political competition was between nation-states. Following the nation-state wars, globalization and tribalism played a large part in politics. Politics occurs at three levels: regional, national/state, and global. Global politics is the most dynamic and nuanced of all because it is influenced by so many factors.
The Impact of Civilization on Politics
Huntington contends that today's politics are no longer founded on philosophy and economic grounds. Due to the diverse nature of human beings, their way of life varies, and as a result, the opinions and interests are so different. He claims that civilization is a new aspect that impacts politics greatly. People's interests are aligned to their culture. Conflict will arise between the state nation actors and people of other cultures. Civilization is rising due to the presence of the different culture available.
Civilization conflict is likely to emanate and increase in modern global and national politics. The diverse cultural groups present will have to be recognized. The cultural domains seek recognition at the global and national politics junctures and are fighting for it strongly (Huntington 6). These civilization differences are brought about by religion, traditions, language, and history. Due to technological changes, the world is becoming a smaller place, every group demanding recognition in global politics. Economic modernization and social changes also bring the disparity between the groups, each having different views and opinions. Cultural aspects are more diverse but mutable and can, therefore, be easily changed or altered. Moreover, Westernization has a big influence on global politics, making the non-westerners resist against them. With the growing division based on the economic aspects, world politics is getting more divided. All these factors contribute to the clash in political grounds.
Difference with Other Political Processes Explanation
Scholars have tried to explain this diverse aspect of political processes (Kumari 48). The first argument is that the political forces are determined only by the powerful states in the country or the world. Western superpowers are seen as the major determinants in global politics. Other groups or regions contribute less to the politics as compared to the powerful and influential ones. This theory states that as the western power continues to increase, they pose a threat to ruling the whole world. This is so much different from Huntington's explaining. In his theory he states that cultural segments (civilization), which are both peaceful and radical in nature, are being formed.
Industrialization and Global Politics
Another common explanation is the theory of industrialization. This theory seeks to explain how industrialization has affected global and regional politics (Kumari 48). Here, it is argued that the developed countries overrule the less industrialized countries such as the African and some Asian states. Such nations are claimed to have more authority in global politics. Huntington, however, explains the opposite. He claims that the less developed nations such as the African countries are rising and fighting for their recognition and roles in world politics. Asians are also striving for power according to him. Religion has played a great role in spearheading the marginalized countries.
Economic Forces and Political Influence
Economic theory pertaining to politics has also been discussed. In this doctrine, it is stated that politics is governed by economic forces (Kumari 48). It is indicated that people with significant or great contributions to the economy also have an equally significant influence on political matters. They often alter and redirect regional, national, and global politics. Huntington, however, argues that regardless of people's economic condition or contributions, they still affect the political processes. Cultural norms and ideology are the new driving force of politics according to him.
Limitations of Huntington's Explanation
The article has well explained the role of civilization in politics. However, it has its shortcomings (Molina 103). First, it has utilized past data in the explanation. If the present trends could have been utilized in explaining the theory, the article could be more convincing, capturing the reader's mind and introducing more insight. Secondly, the flow of the cultural events and how they have affected politics has neither been clearly stated nor defined.
Thirdly, the less developed countries especially the African ones have not been clearly recognized. The African contribution has just been mentioned once. This does not reflect the overall global politics since not all contributors are considered (Molina 103). Lastly, the author could have cited a number of influential leaders whose manifesto was culturally aligned. None has been done to this effect, therefore raising doubts.
Conclusion
The argument was convincing to a great extent. A number of examples were given, supporting the argument. Through this, the reader gets more insight or information, and as a result, is convinced that the argument is true. The writer used sample language to explain the argument, hence making it convincing since people get to understand the information comprehensively. The trend analysis makes the argument more relevant, depicting steps and examples of civilization intrusion into the political field.
Work Cited
Huntington, Samuel P. “25 The Hispanic Challenge.” A Language and Power Reader (2013): 6.
Kumari, Looke. “Emergence of Muslim Fundamentalism by Critically Evaluating Huntington’s Thesis of ‘Clash of Civilization’.” (2014):14-52.
Molina, Santiago Rojas. The Clash for Civilization: State Consolidation and the Civilizing Mission in Nineteenth Century Colombia. Diss. Uniandes, 2015: 67-213.
