If you haven’t yet listened to Part 1, we recommend starting there, where Philip McDonagh introduces the foundations of diplomacy, human rights, and intercivilizational dialogue.
In this second 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 take a closer look at the practical work of intercivilizational dialogue and what it means to build peace in deeply divided societies.
Philip shares insights from the Intercivilizational Dialogue project led by Just Access, explaining why dialogue is not simply about exchanging ideas but about cultivating friendship, trust, and shared purpose across cultures, faiths, and political traditions. Drawing on examples from Northern Ireland, international diplomacy, and his own encounters with former combatants and world leaders, he illustrates how personal relationships can transform seemingly intractable conflicts.
The conversation also explores the dangers of polarization, the importance of creating spaces where disagreement can be constructive, and why meaningful diplomacy requires bringing one’s whole humanity to the table. Philip concludes with practical advice for anyone who wants to contribute to peacebuilding, emphasizing the value of public service, ethical leadership, expertise, and the courage to engage across differences.
What will you learn?
• How the Just Access Intercivilizational Dialogue project brings together diplomats, academics, faith leaders, and civil society
• Why dialogue is the antidote to polarization and conflict
• How personal encounters helped shape the Northern Ireland peace process
• Why diplomacy can be as much about listening and relationships as negotiation
• Why public service and professional ethics matter more than ever
• How anyone can contribute to building more peaceful and inclusive societies
🧠 Topics Covered
• Intercivilizational dialogue
• Polarization and social cohesion
• Peacebuilding and mediation
• The Northern Ireland peace process
• Diplomacy and conflict resolution
• Interfaith cooperation
• Public service and ethical leadership
• Professional ethics and human rights
👤 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, diplomacy, and international relations.
📚 Resources & Links
• Just Access Podcast – https://just-access.de/podcast
• Learn more about Just Access’ Intercivilizational Dialogue Project – https://just-access.de
• Support Just Access – https://just-access.de/donate
• Contact the show – podcast@just-access.de
⏱ Key Moments
• 01:20 – Why Barcelona became the project’s second meeting place
• 03:15 – Understanding polarization and its remedies
• 08:00 – Why friendship is at the heart of dialogue
• 11:30 – Lessons from the Northern Ireland peace process
• 16:40 – The human side of diplomacy
• 21:10 – What each of us can do to build peace
• 26:40 – Professional ethics, public service, and courageous leadership
Call to Action
Help Just Access keep critical conversations alive by sharing this episode, leaving a review, and supporting our work:
👉 https://just-access.de/donate
Because everyone can be a human rights defender.
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