UN High representative for the Alliance of Civilizations on whether relations between societies can be improved.

"Every civilisation sees itself as the centre of the world and writes its history as the central drama of human history," wrote political scientist Samuel Huntington in The Clash of Civilizations.

And it is precisely due to our poor understanding - or lack of will to understand - others' cultures that the world is as polarised as ever.

The idea of living as part of a global village is slowly fading away, allowing for the rise of nationalism.

So, can we improve relations and cooperation among nations and people? Across societies, cultures and religions? Or is the clash of civilisations inevitable?

We explore this and more as United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Miguel Angel Moratinos, talks to Al Jazeera.

Source: Al Jazeera