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Worldwide poll finds most reject 'clash of civilizations' view

LONDON -- A large-scale survey commissioned by the BBC finds that, despite current global tensions, the majority of people around the world reject the notion of a clash of civilizations between the west and Islam.

A violent clash between the west and the Islamic world is not inevitable. That is the view of the majority of those surveyed for the BBC.

The research, carried out by pollsters from GlobeScan, examined the views of around 28,000 people in 27 countries around the world.

Those who felt that common ground could be found between the west and the Islamic world outnumbered those who felt that a clash was inevitable by a two-to-one margin.

While 29 percent responded that religious and cultural differences lie at the heart of current tensions, many more, 52 percent, believe that political power and political interests stand as the most important root causes.

Related Links

  • Views of relationship between Muslim and Western cultures (table)
  • BBC poll findings (PDF)
  • Read entire article at VOA News