Contextualizing Arnold Toynbee’s Challenge and Response Theory in the Nexus between American Cultural Hegemony and the Islamic World in the Post-9/11 Era

Abstract

     This article examines Arnold J. Toynbee’s influential theory of “challenge and response,” which explains the reasons behind the rise and fall of civilizations by focusing on the U.S. post-9/11 attempts to bring about change in the Islamic world. It aims to place Toynbee’s theory in a modern context by exploring the fusion of the past and the present. The U.S. has presented a challenge to the Islamic world by infusing its culture, through the mechanism of cultural hegemony, into the fundamental aspects of Islam as both a religion and a way of life. The continuous influx of American cultural products has given rise to a new social order that significantly diverges from Islamic values and closely approaches American ones. Muslims are grappling with feelings of inferiority and an identity crisis, stemming from the lack of leadership and a culture of creativity. However, it is important to acknowledge that the path towards Americanization does not necessarily align with Toynbee's perspective on the ultimate decline of civilizations.  While Muslims may face challenges, the essence of Islam remains resilient and enduring. To address these challenges and promote growth and prosperity, Muslims are encouraged to reconnect with the fundamental principles of Islam