This critical literature review argues that, in a world of increasing global interconnectedness, balancing the two diametrically opposite forces of globalism and tribalism is of critical importance. The article begins with a brief description of the world of the 21st century and goes on to discuss the terms 'globalism' and 'tribalism' within this context. The crux identified through the discussion is balance: the article argues that mild forms of globalism and tribalism are essential in maintaining global and local identities, but cautions that imbalance in favour of either impulse could have dire consequences. The article goes on to discuss the role of intercultural education in seeking to balance the two impulses, and concludes with a discussion on practicalities pertaining to various tools and strategies that may be used to promote intercultural education.