The Director speaks at the European Union Institute for Security Studies, Brussels: ‘A New Political Landscape in the MENA Countries: How to Fine-Tune our Modes of Engagement?’ 16th April 2012

The Director, Oliver McTernan, spoke on the motives for engagement at the European Union Institute for Security Studies, Brussels – addressing issues such as the requirement for a transparent and principled base, the challenging of preconceptions, an awareness of misperceptions and suspicions, and the real desire to make a positive contribution to the development of a fair, just and democratic society, rather than the promotion of limited self interests.Furthermore, Oliver addressed the need for an inclusive method of engagement, where groups with real constituencies are identified and engaged with regardless of their beliefs or non-beliefs. He discussed the risks involved, such as that of actively promoting the importance of factions that share our own worldview, and that of promoting a new form of neo-colonialism.There are also many challenges to be addressed in defining this engagement. Oliver identified these, including the significance of mutually beneficial engagement, where a shared allowance for diversity and the recognition of commonalities are simultaneously provided. In addition, identifying institutions which are essential in the delivery of democratic society, redefining international relationships with new economic political alliances, and the crucial importance of promoting internal dialogue are all further challenges that were discussed by Oliver. The event was also attended by the Nyon Process Manager, Julian Weinberg.