Indeed, I would argue along similar lines. The East/West distinction is increasingly becoming a false dichotomy, especially so in today's context.

Cultures and identities are no longer monolithic entities in that they undergo a constant state of flux. Such dynamism is fuelled by the processes of change that characterise our modern age.

The processes of change - among others - come in the form of increased use of Information Technology and the Internet, technological advancements as well as a growing, educated middle class. State boundaries are fast becoming more porous as a result of these trends, thereby enabling local cultures and people to have a global - Lamy prefers the term 'glocal' - outreach. McLuhan's idea of a 'global village' also springs into mind.

The modern world has indeed become a global village where people from all over intermingle and exchange ideas. Non-Westerners and Westerners learn from each other from this social interaction. Accordingly, each will realise that despite their differences, they have certain things in common. In a global village, shared values are a social glue that reconciles differences.

The passion for innovation, self-criticism and gender equality, according to Sorman, are conceived by a mindset called the West. I would argue that as East and West interact, an eventual accord could be reached in which such values will no longer be held to be 'particularistic' to Western culture. This means that an eventual universality could be determined as a result of the continued fusion of Eastern and Western cultures in the onward march of history.

Universality in the 'global village' implies finding collective responses to shared problems. Successful social interaction in a global village requires synergistic endeavours that are only possible when residents - nation states - share similar, universal values. This is why I regard the distinction between East and West as a false dichotomy. The binary opposition between East and West as relativistic concepts is not only outmoded, but is also increasingly irrelevant in today's context.

Sorman was correct to indicate that Huntington's 'clash of civilisation' thesis was a tad misguided. I prefer my interpretation in that East and West should represent a fusion - not a collision - of values.

Reza Shifdar Buang