THE DIALECTICS OF MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE AND THE ISSUE OF ZIONISM

Interfaith and intercultural dialogue are among the most significant international drivers shaping global civil and cultural opinion. The idea of Islamic-Christian dialogue stems from the importance of exchanging ideas and concepts at the international level. Dialogue is considered one of the most vital means to bridge different intellectual currents and foster peace among them. This was emphasized by the Second Vatican Council, which is regarded as the first step towards Islamic-Christian dialogue, allowing interaction between the two religions, presenting the true image of Islam, and providing opportunities to spread authentic Islamic culture. In light of these developments in the relationship between the two faiths, some argue that the Zionist movement has greatly influenced the dialogue and its objectives, as the movement has exploited these initiatives to its advantage. This has included preparing the global political environment to meet the demands of the Zionist Jewish entity on a worldwide scale. The study aims to shed light on some of the most prominent issues raised in the contemporary intellectual arena, particularly interfaith and intercultural dialogue, which are considered among the key features of the new international order. These dialogues are also seen as a form of cultural globalization that seeks to minimize the distances and conflicts between civilizations. The research employs a descriptive-analytical methodology and divides the study into several sections. These include defining the Vatican as an institution, its history, key objectives, and the nature of dialogue after the Second Vatican Council of 1964. It also addresses Islamic-Christian dialogue, clarifies each religion's position on dialogue, explores the current state of Christian-Islamic dialogue, and examines the dialectics of Zionism and its impact on Islamic-Christian dialogue. Additionally, the study explores the hypothesis concerning the influence of Zionism and its projects, with particular focus on the "Deal of the Century" as a contemporary challenge to the intercultural dialogue currently witnessed among different nations and civilizations. The study concludes with my findings, a conclusion, and a review of the key sources and references I consulted while preparing this research.