“Islamist Parties as new Interlocutors?

Abstract

This paper analyzes the Rodríguez Zapatero socialist government (2004-2011) approach to Moderate or Reformist Political Islam in the Mediterranean. It argues that it does not exist a global and comprehensive strategy to deal with the issue. Instead, two main approaches are followed: (a) Europeanization of the Spanish foreign policy and promotion of multilateral cooperation forums related to the European Union, such as the Barcelona Process; (b) priority to bilateral and intergovernmental relations, which make difficult the equilibrium between values and interests. The Alliance of Civilizations is not an appropriate analysis frame. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze other instruments of the Spanish foreign policy. We discuss Democracy Promotion and its implication for Islamic organizations in the Maghreb. And, on the other hand, we focus on Spanish promotion and involvement in the Middle East Peace Process and the inclusion or exclusion of the Islamist actors.