The Essence of Conflict from the Perspective of Ibn Khaldun and Samuel Huntington

Abstract

This study examines the conflict through different interpretations regarding the nature of civilizations and the factors leading to their rise and fall. Both Ibn Khaldun and Samuel Huntington emphasize fundamental bases upon which conflicts are built, showing that they remain alive in today’s world, influencing human beings, cultures, societies, values, ideologies, behaviors, and even political entities, Ibn Khaldun argues that civilizations follow a cyclical pattern of growth and decline, driven by social cohesion (asabiyyah). He highlights the importance of group solidarity, shared values, and collective identity in establishing strong civilizations, On the other hand, Samuel Huntington presents the “Clash of Civilizations” theory, stressing that conflicts in the modern world are mainly rooted in cultural and religious differences, shaping international relations, By comparing both theories, the research sheds light on their divergent interpretations of historical forces shaping global changes, providing valuable perspectives on cooperation and coexistence among different civilizations and societies. The analytical method was used as the most appropriate scientific method, while to compare the thoughts and views of the two thinkers, our research required a comparative method, as the most appropriate method to evaluate and present their common and different views The issue of conflict between the two. This research consists of one chapter and three discussions. In the chapter, after introducing and identifying the types of conflict, we present the essence of conflict. Then, the first chapter discusses cultural differences and the creation of conflict The common ground between Ibn Khaldun and Huntington on conflict is highlighted, and the third and final discussion presents the differences between the two thinkers on the essence of conflict.