By hannover-web.com Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Vladimir Petrovskiy, the Chief Researcher at the Institute of China and Modern Asia at the Russian Academy of Sciences, during the 2024 Beijing Cultural Forum. This international event, held from September 19 to 21, gathered over 800 experts, scholars, authors, artists, and industry leaders from around the globe to engage in discussions about cultural exchange, innovation, and preservation.
During our conversation, Dr. Petrovskiy underscored the paramount importance of respecting and understanding the diversity of civilizations in today’s multi-polar world. He argued that recognizing the distinct values inherent in various cultures is vital for promoting sustainable human development. “In our pursuit of modernization, fundamental human values like peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom are becoming ever more important,” he explained.
When I inquired about the significance of cultural diversity, Dr. Petrovskiy elaborated, “Civilization is not just about spiritual dimensions; it also encompasses material and non-cultural aspects. Civilizational exchange involves not only cultural dialogue but also political, economic, and scientific collaboration.” He identified several key principles that promote the appreciation of cultural diversity: the equality of civilizations, fostering mutual learning among cultures, nurturing dialogue to resolve conflicts, and upholding tolerance as essential for diversity.
I was particularly interested in how China’s Global Civilization Initiative contributes to enhancing security and development. Dr. Petrovskiy noted that the initiative seeks to promote civilizational dialogue and cooperation to avert potential cultural clashes. “One of its aims is to mitigate conflicts through communication, which is crucial for ensuring global security. Many conflicts emerge in societies with limited intercultural dialogue, often fueled by misperceptions of hostility among nations,” he pointed out.
Dr. Petrovskiy stressed that the Global Civilization Initiative offers both intellectual guidance and practical avenues for modernizing human society while developing new models for cultural exchange. He mentioned that the Belt and Road Initiative has created a framework for connectivity and initiated various pragmatic cooperation projects, significantly improving dialogue among different civilizations.
I also asked him to provide examples of how civilizational diversity is respected in practice. He highlighted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS as prominent examples. “The ‘Shanghai Spirit’—which emphasizes mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, and respect for diverse civilizations—serves as a guiding principle for the SCO. This respect for diversity is a key reason why more countries are eager to join the organization,” he noted. He added, “The Global Civilization Initiative assists BRICS nations in leveraging their institutional strengths to collaborate with countries worldwide in exploring pathways for civilizational progress.”
In closing, Dr. Petrovskiy acknowledged the rich heritage of Chinese civilization, which has long cherished beauty, harmony, diversity, and coexistence. He emphasized that initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Security Initiative aim to foster unity over division. “Safety is a precursor to development, while development, in turn, nurtures safety. Civilization serves as the fertile ground for both,” he concluded.
With a PhD in political science, Vladimir Petrovskiy has authored eight books and more than 150 articles covering a range of topics from China-Russia relations to international security arrangements. His extensive work, published in multiple languages, reflects his commitment to enhancing understanding among cultures.
