civilizationalist

A civilizationalist is an individual who adheres to or promotes civilizationalism, a political and social ideology. This ideology centers on the concept of civilizations as fundamental units of global politics and societal organization. Civilizationalists typically view the world as divided into distinct, often competing, civilizations, each with its own unique cultural, religious, historical, and philosophical characteristics.

The core tenets of civilizationalism often include the belief that these civilizational identities are enduring and that they shape the behavior of states and individuals. Proponents may argue that understanding and respecting these civilizational differences is crucial for international relations and conflict resolution, or conversely, that certain civilizations are inherently superior or pose a threat to others.

The term "civilizationalist" can be used descriptively to refer to scholars or policymakers who analyze global affairs through a civilizational lens, or pejoratively by critics who see the ideology as essentialist, prone to stereotyping, or fueling division and xenophobia. It is closely related to concepts such as Huntington's "Clash of Civilizations" theory, though not all civilizationalists subscribe to that specific formulation. The focus remains on the perceived significance of broad civilizational groupings in shaping human affairs and political dynamics.