The Alternative Information Center (AIC) will conduct its sixth International Political Field Seminar from 28 December 2010-4 January 2011. Under the title Israeli-Palestinian Perspectives on Conflict and Peace in the Middle East,the seminar is particularly aimed at university students.

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.

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