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Moving Beyond Common Framings of the Post-Western World

Learning activity

Consider the important role education can play in shaping perceptions and understanding between Western and non-Western cultures.

In your opinion, how might education systems around the world be adapted to foster greater cross-cultural understanding and cooperation?

Key Takeaways

In this chapter, Professor Wang Hui delved into the importance of solidarity among nations and the need for a truly global perspective to navigate the complexities of a post-Western world.

  1. Geopolitical “alliances” may be too black and white for a multipolar world, and can lead to a domino effect when conflict occurs. Instead, “solidarity” between nations demonstrates international cooperation without needing to be involved in extra-national conflicts.

  2. The success of non-Western nations in achieving economic growth and independence demonstrates alternative trajectories to modernisation beyond Western frameworks.

  3. Adopting a global perspective, particularly in education and media, is imperative to balance the prominence of Western-centric narratives and promote understanding across cultures.

  4. It is incumbent upon Western nations to encourage solidarity among non-Western countries rather than opposing or undermining it.

Download Key Takeaways (PDF)
Further Readings
  1. Samuel P. Huntington (1993)The Clash of Civilisations?Foreign Affairs.
  2. Chris Fleming (2022)The End of History: Francis Fukuyama's controversial idea explainedThe Conversation
  3. Obar Irom (2018)Decolonization in Asia, Latin America and Africa