Hatar al-'Aulama: The Arabic Globalization Debate -- A New Edition of the Modernization and Authenticity Controversy?

This article is devoted to exploring the origins & threads of current debates on globalization from the Arab perspective, based on diverse intellectual daily & weekly news articles, journals, & other writings. Intensive discussions about phenomena & processes currently considered within the term globalization, such as the information revolution, the universal spread of Western political & social models, the Americanization of everyday life, the endangerment of local identity, & the liberalization of international trade, are also included in the analysis. In general, the debate can be categorized into three streams of thought. The secular thinkers are hopeful that the cultural effects of globalization will complete the modernization process, & replace outdated traditions with rational thought. Islamic thinkers on the other hand, fear renewed Western cultural hegemony, & seek fundamental protection of authentic identity in the protection of local cultures. A minority of moderates & reform-oriented intellectuals engage both positive & negative aspects of the debate, & see the necessity to raise the relevance of local culture while gradually opening themselves to globalization changes. At least in part, this conceptualization mirrors the controversy regarding modernization & authenticity of the 1970s & 1980s. L. Kehl