In this recorded conversation, Religion & Diplomacy editor Judd Birdsall interviews retired Irish ambassador Philip McDonagh about his new co-authored book On the Significance of Religion for Global Diplomacy (2020). In the book, McDonagh argues for something far broader than simply more religious literacy and religion attentiveness among policymakers. Rather, he calls on multilateral organizations to operationalize long-term, international dialogue processes on human values and global challenges that would be inclusive of the world’s religious communities.
McDonagh is adjunct professor and director of the Centre for Religion, Human Values, and International Relations at Dublin City University. He previously served as Irish ambassador to India, Russia, the Holy See, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.