The clash of civilizations? The myth of cultural clash between U.S and China

The cultural conflicts are particularly highlighted after Samuel P. Huntington published his work titled “The Clash of Civilizations” since 1993. Huntington claimed that the fundamental source of conflict in the new world will not be primarily ideological or economic. Instead, the clash of civilizations will dominate global politics. (36) Huntington’s hypothesis on fundamental conflicts of culture to the affection of global politics seems realistic especially after 911 terrorist attacks; ethnic and religious clashes are frequently found in the contemporary history. A dichotomy of U.S and China are often presented by the mass media, while the political and economic statuses of China in the global stage are rising rapidly, causing tension and competition. Apart from the economic reason, the cultural powers of the two nations are always put into comparison. So, can Huntington’s hypothesis adequately explain the relationship between the two nations that the conflict is caused by civilization differences?