*Originally published pre-2020 and republished as part of our archive project. Get E-International Relations delivered to your inbox, free of charge. As you sign up, consider becoming a paid subscriber, or make a donation, to support our work

In our era of accelerating globalisation, there are few greater threats to harmony and inter-cultural understanding than essentialism. In this context, reflections on axiology, the study of values (what makes something good or bad), appear equally problematic as socio-cultural diversity presupposes that distinct interpretations to values are assigned across cultures. A more nuanced view acknowledges a great degree of intra-cultural variation and sees culture as developing in fits and starts, effectively challenging the idea of cultural essentialism.  Understanding this crucial point, and putting educational programs in place that instill an appreciation for cultural awareness, will set the stage for a more productive dialogue at the global level. A universal axiology will become possible only if there is sufficient willingness by individuals of diverse cultural traditions to accept that their respective traditions do not confine them to a narrow set of beliefs associated with their practices.

Beyond the appreciation of the shared content within differing cultures’ normative systems, tolerance and open dialogue can be fostered by the increased recognition of........

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