Understanding Irish Foreign Policy | Ben Tonra

Video Description

How should we understand Irish foreign policy? Over the past century, Ireland’s foreign relations have undergone a significant transformation. Once defined by the constraints of the Irish Free State and its ties to the United Kingdom, Ireland gradually established its own international identity, forging strong links with the United States and later the European Union. Today, Dublin is a confident, independent voice in global affairs. This transformation has positioned Ireland as an important player in shaping European and transatlantic ties, balancing national interests with global responsibilities. And while it continues to maintain its neutrality, rejecting NATO membership, Ireland’s commitment to the United Nations, peacekeeping efforts, and global diplomacy has earned it a reputation as a principled small state with real influence. In this interview with Professor Ben Tonra, we explore Ireland’s modern foreign policy challenges — from the war in Ukraine and NATO debates to Ireland’s outspoken stance on Middle Eastern conflicts. Among the insights shared, are how Ireland's special relationship with the United States is weathering the re-election of Donald Trump to the White House, and the future of Irish foreign policy in an era of global uncertainty. Ben Tonra is Full Professor of International Relations at the School of Politics and International Relations, University College Dublin. He teaches, researches and publishes in European foreign, security and defence policy, Irish foreign, security and defence policy and International Relations theory. Outside the university Ben is a Member of the Royal Irish Academy and has previously served as the chair of the Academy's Standing Committee on International Affairs. He is also a Distinguished Fellow at the Azure Forum, a Dublin-based think tank on security and defence studies and Director and Secretary (voluntary/non-remunerated) with the Irish Defence and Security Association (IDSA) CLG. He worked previously at the Department of International Politics, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, the University of Dublin (Trinity College) and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Washington DC. Professor Tonra is a graduate of the University of Limerick (BA and MA) and completed his doctoral studies at the University of Dublin (Trinity College) in 1996. *VIDEO CHAPTERS* 00:00 Introduction and Titles 01:31 The Foreign Policy of the Irish Free State 03:55 Ireland’s Neutrality During WWII 07:48 Ireland’s Cold War Position and NATO 11:19 Ireland’s Role in the United Nations and Peacekeeping 14:20 Northern Ireland Troubles, Irish-UK Relations and EU Membership 17:19 Irish Foreign Policy After the Good Friday Agreement 19:37 Ireland’s ‘Special Relationship’ With The United States 22:33 How Did Brexit Impact Ireland’s Foreign Policy? 26:32 Irish Neutrality and the Ukraine War 32:09 Ireland's Strong Position on the Israel-Palestine 35:35 US-Irish Ties After Donald Trump’s Re-election *SUPPORT THE CHANNEL* If you like my videos, please subscribe or become a Channel Member. Thank you! SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE http://www.youtube.com/c/JamesKerLindsay?sub_confirmation=1 BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER http://www.youtube.com/c/JamesKerLindsay/join *MY LATEST BOOK!* Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know Oxford University Press https://global.oup.com/academic/product/secession-and-state-creation-9780190494049 Amazon https://amzn.to/2MPY3W2 Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel at no additional cost to you. #Ireland #ForeignPolicy #Internationalrelations