Intercultural Dialogue: Only a Means, Not an End in Itself

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.