Book

What if the future of international order were shaped not by a clash of civilizations, nor by dialogue alone, but by a structured compact for cooperation among them?   In The Civilizational Compact: IMI and IMI+, Mohammad Hassan Sangtarash introduces a new theoretical and institutional framework for transforming civilizational diversity into structured international cooperation.   Moving beyond the paradigms of the Clash of Civilizations and the Dialogue among Civilizations, the book defines the Civilizational Compact as a model through which states with distinct historical and civilizational identities can build lasting cooperation based on shared interests and complementary capabilities.   At its core is the proposed IMI initiative, bringing together Iran, Mexico, and Italy as a foundation for transregional cooperation. Its extension, IMI+, offers an open and adaptable framework for engaging additional states across geographical and civilizational boundaries.   The book develops five mechanisms—recognition, complementarity, connectivity, institutionalization, and brokerage—and explores their application across trade, infrastructure, energy, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, space, and climate cooperation.   Neither a conventional alliance nor a geopolitical bloc, the Civilizational Compact offers a flexible model that can coexist with existing international arrangements while opening new pathways for shared development.   Its central proposition is bold: civilizational diversity need not divide the world; it can become a foundation for cooperation.