What the Farnesina Learned from R. Scott Appleby

At the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (the "Farnesina") a special program was created in order to deal with religions and international relations. In this context, the work of R. Scott Appleby soon became a point of reference, especially for the Policy Planning Unit under the direction of the Author. In a series of meetings and conferences with R. Scott Appleby, many useful ideas were discussed and analyzed in view of a more articulated approach of the Italian MAE towards religions abroad and also for the internal organization of the Ministry. Some of these recommendations, drawn from the academic work of R. Scott Appleby, were partially implemented, establishing a bridge between theory and practice on diplomatic religious engagement.