Where hope takes root : democracy and pluralism in an interdependent world / His Highness the Aga Khan ; introduction by Adrienne Clarkson.

Introduction / Adrienne Clarkson -- Enhancing Pluralism: Amsterdam, The Netherlands -- Is Civil Society Bankable?: Tashkent, Uzbekistan -- The Knowledge Revolution and the End of Ignorance: Karachi, Pakistan -- Canada as a Global Leader: Gatineau, Canada -- The Nature of True Regime Change: Toronto, Canada -- Underwriting Human Progress: Berlin, Germany -- Architecture as a Force for Change: New Delhi, India -- Democracy, Pluralism and Civil Society: Oslo, Norway -- The Bridges That Unite Us: Ottawa, Canada -- What Makes Democracy Work?: Evora, Portugal -- Renewing Democracy's Promise: New York, U.S.A. -- The Spiritual Roots of Tolerance: Tutzing, Germany -- Towards a Common Future: Ottawa, Canada -- "Pluralism Is a Work in Progress": His Highness the Aga Khan in conversation with Peter Mansbridge.

"In Where Hope Takes Root, the Aga Khan sets out the principles that inform his vision. Democracy, he says, must be nurtured in ways that are practical and flexible. Pluralism must be embraced, so that it exists both in fact and in spirit. A diverse, engaged civil society will advance these values. Education is also a critical component, not only in developing countries but in the West. Until the Western world acquires a deeper knowledge of Muslim civilizations, His Highness asserts, no truly meaningful dialogue can take place." "In a world too often divided along economic, political, ethnic and religious lines, the Aga Khan's words are welcome. Eloquent, inspiring and deeply challenging, they express the hope - and the conviction - that profound change is possible."--BOOK JACKET.