ABSTRACT
This is the Abstract of a Keynote delivered by Dr Chandra Muzaffar,at the Second Young Scholars Conference organised by the International Institute of Peace and Development Studies(IIPDS), Asian Muslim Action Network (AMAN) and the Asian Resource Foundation (ARF) with the co-operation of Chulalongkorn University held at the Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok Thailand on 28 September 2017
Globalisation is a process through which the rapid diffusion of technologies around the world has transformed economies and cultures with implications for every other facet of life. As with other great historical processes, there are both positive and negative consequences emanating from globalisation. It has undoubtedly compelled those who wield power and influence to become more transparent and accountable. At the same time however the new communication technologies have also facilitated the spread of hatred, bigotry and prejudice. Consequently, it has become imperative to distinguish the positive from the negative, right from wrong. In the evolution of human civilisation. It is the values and principles embodied in religious philosophies that serve as the compass for separating good from bad. Asia, as the birth-place of all the great religious philosophies, should once again articulate a set of values and principles that will help to guide globalisation. This has become critical especially since it is Asia — specifically China — that is playing a major role today in shaping the global economy. Guided by the values embodied in their religious and cultural philosophies, Asian countries should be setting the pace in not only determining the direction of the global economy but also in articulating the content of global politics, global culture and global ethnic relations. If the accumulation of wealth in a few hands is not part of the ethic of any religion, we should develop a global economy that ensures equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities. Likewise, if sacrificing principle for power is what drives politics today, Asia should instead practise politics based upon principles. If global culture is largely sensate and superficial we should create a cultural ethos that aims to develop character and human dignity. If ethnic relations in most places are characterised by distrust and suspicion, we should nurture ethnic and religious ties that are signified by respect, empathy and love. This alternative vision of a globalised world is not emerging because even Asian societies which are at the forefront of the global economy have chosen to adjust to the structures and patterns associated with the hegemonic power of the United States and its allies. Besides, when religion is brought to the fore in many instances, the preoccupation is with the form rather than the substance of faith. This is why Asia will not be able to shape the world in a manner that would enable human dignity and social justice to flourish. One hopes that in this situation young people will harness the noble values and principles at the heart of their religious philosophies rooted as they are in a spiritual-moral concept of the human being and make these values and principles the basis of a great transformation that renders globalisation a process that is just, equitable and compassionate.
Dr. Chandra Muzaffar,
President,
International Movement for a Just World (JUST).
Malaysia.
9 September 2017