The Alternative Information Center to Host
Its Third International Political Field Seminar: Bridges Instead of Walls!

29 December 2009 – 8 January 2010

In an increasingly globalized world, it is often the case that quantity of information is privileged over quality. We often deal with cultures without knowing their histories or the things that we have in common with them. We generalize about “East” and “West” forgetting that we have several traditions, experiences, and values to share. Talking about a cultural conflict, or a “clash of civilizations”, is an overly simplistic way of characterizing differences, leaving historical facts, experiences, and common desires for interaction far from consideration. Mutual understanding is the basis on which relationships have to be built, because all “sides” share values such as respect, tolerance and peace. Stereotypes should therefore not prevent people from approaching the “other” world, nor limit a constructive dialogue about values, ideals and our common future on this planet.