ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of some key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book. This book argues that the EU's commitment to the advancement of ICD within its Mediterranean policies can be divided into three distinct phases: a 'phase of emergence', a 'phase of consolidation' and a 'phase of professionalisation'. It provides the policy framework into which ICD was formulated and implemented during the overall time frame of reference. In current affairs, the concept of ICD has been employed by international organisations, especially during the 2000s to describe initiatives they have launched to facilitate interactions between 'units' (individuals, groups, communities or 'civilisations'), which are characterised by some degree of cultural diversity. The book provides a discussion of the research findings with a view to giving a general explanation of the reasons for the EU's changing, vague and contradictory approach to the promotion of this tool in the Mediterranean.
