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In this first part of our conversation with Philip McDonagh, former Irish diplomat and Director of the Centre for Religion, Human Values and International Relations at Dublin City University, we explore the deeper values that underpin diplomacy, human rights, and peaceful coexistence. Drawing on his experience with the Good Friday Agreement, peacebuilding initiatives in South Asia, and diplomatic service across Europe and beyond, Philip explains why effective institutions depend on what he calls “pre-political” culture: the trust, relationships, and shared values that make cooperation possible before laws and politics take over.


The conversation examines the growing importance of intercivilizational dialogue in a world facing conflict, polarization, and what Philip describes as a “polycrisis” of interconnected global challenges. From Aristotle’s ideas on friendship and justice to contemporary initiatives at the United Nations, he argues that societies must return to first principles if they are to build more inclusive and resilient political systems.

Philip also explores the connection between intercivilizational dialogue, human rights, and access to justice, emphasizing that civil and political rights cannot be separated from social and economic rights. Throughout the episode, he makes the case that meaningful progress depends not only on institutions but also on the values, education, and human relationships that sustain them.


What will you learn?

• What Philip McDonagh means by “pre-political” culture

• Why trust and shared values are essential for justice and democracy

• How intercivilizational dialogue can help address global crises

• The links between human rights, social order, and access to justice

• What lessons the Good Friday Agreement offers for peacebuilding today

• Why social and economic rights deserve equal attention alongside civil and political rights


🧠 Topics Covered

• Diplomacy and peacebuilding

• The Good Friday Agreement

• Religion, values, and international relations

• Intercivilizational dialogue

• Human rights and access to justice

• Aristotle and political philosophy

• Building trust across divided societies

• Global governance and multilateralism


👤 About the Guest

Philip McDonagh is Director of the Centre for Religion, Human Values and International Relations and Adjunct Professor at Dublin City University. A distinguished former Irish diplomat, he contributed to the peace process surrounding the Good Friday Agreement and has worked extensively on conflict resolution, intercultural dialogue, and international relations.


📚 Resources & Links

• Just Access Podcast – https://just-access.de/podcast

• Support Just Access – https://just-access.de/donate

• Contact the show – podcast@just-access.de


⏱ Key Moments

• 02:00 – From diplomacy to intercivilizational dialogue

• 04:20 – Why trust matters more than legislation alone

• 07:00 – Civilizations as interconnected traditions

• 09:30 – Human rights, social order, and justice

• 13:20 – The new intercivilizational dialogue project

• 16:30 – Lessons from the Helsinki Process

• 18:00 – India’s role in promoting dialogue


Call to Action

Help Just Access keep critical conversations alive—share this episode, leave a review, and support our work at:

👉 https://just-access.de/donate

Because everyone can be a human rights defender.

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