Analysis of the concepts, means and points of convergence and diversion when discussing co-existence between nations and societies, particularly between the Islamic World and the West, is not new for academics, philosophers and political leaders. It is a result of the intellectual and cultural phenomena that have pervaded societies throughout human history where the latest influence has been globalization, which has brought together the old and the new through rapid scientific advancement and telecommunications technology in the developed world. The effects of globalization can be felt in political, social, economic, cultural and even moral circles. Globalization has influenced individual lifestyles and communities and also constitutes an inexhaustible intellectual source for thought, philosophy and vision in the academic and cultural arena. These discussions sometimes lead to agreement but usually become points of dispute, provoking controversy and skepticism over all what has been agreed upon when what is needed is translation into tangible results in society. Globalization has not stopped at cultural and scientific exchange but has also extended to the imposition of influence and hegemony, denial of privacy and impacting the social, intellectual and cultural stability on a society's foundations and its national and ideological identity.

Discussing the controversy over perception and reaction to problems of co-existence between Islam and the West requires additional effort to decipher cultural, social and political symbols that indicate identity, vision, philosophy and contribution to human civilization. This study is a multi-angled presentation free from hard-line views and in compliance with academic accuracy and neutrality based on the actual facts of the Islamic World and its dealings with Western civilization as recognized by intellectuals and historians on both sides.