Publications by the New-Med Track II Network

In view of the manifold crises that the Euro-Mediterranean region currently faces, especially on issues related to migration and integration, this paper critically engages the practice of intercultural and interreligious dialogue (ICD) on both sides of the Mediterranean. The paper argues that the proclamation of more ICD per se does not make any difference. Rather, it is a means, a method, not an end in itself. When ICD does not tackle concrete topics, with clear objectives and a method that goes beyond moderating workshops, it can become counterproductive. By simply increasing the provision for and quantity of ICD, like it is nowadays demanded by many political and non-political actors as the universal remedy, without really clarifying what it sets out to achieve, any effort in building mutual understanding is condemned to fail. When ICD is applied purely as a harmonization tool that does not aim to effect self-reflection, ICD does not make any difference and might even solidify existing stereotypes and prejudices against Islam, the Arab world but also against the West.

This reports has been published following the seminar “Changing Migration Patterns and Migration Governance in the Mediterranean Region” was convened at the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) in Rome on 18 December 2014, with the aims of discussing first drafts of selected papers for the New-Med series on migration with the local civil society and policy community and of brainstorming ideas for further activities. As an OSCE-related network, New-Med stands ready to offer its expertise to OSCE initiatives in the field of migration in 2015.

This report provides a summary of the key issues raised in the international seminar “Towards ‘Helsinki +40’: The OSCE, the Global Mediterranean, and the Future of Cooperative Security”, which was convened at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome on 18 September 2014, with the aim of fostering a discussion about the prospects of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation from a politico-security, economic, environmental, and human perspective, at a time of great instability in the Mediterranean region.