The role of Media in Alliance of Civilizations and dialogue of religions

Authors

Nada Naji

Abstract

In an era where media serves as a cornerstone for knowledge dissemination, opinion formation, and communication, its exploitation by violent extremist groups has reached unprecedented levels. This underscores the urgent need to explore how various media and communication platforms can be harnessed to promote awareness and foster constructive dialogue. This paper will examine the dual role of media in both peacebuilding and the propagation of hatred, presenting concrete examples that illustrate its potential to strengthen alliances among civilizations and enhance interreligious dialogue, solidarity, and peace initiatives. Furthermore, we will identify instances of media misuse that exacerbate divisions and incite animosity. In conclusion, we will provide foundational principles of media literacy designed to cultivate critical thinking skills, empowering individuals to engage with media and new media more responsibly and effectively, to promote peace, dialogue and alliance, and counter exxtremist dialogue and hate speech in the digital space – which often times, trespasses the digital sphere to the offline world-.

Keywords: Media-Communication- Alliance- Dialogue- Media Literacy.

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