Mosaic Neutrality: Irish Neutrality and the Return of Power Politics

Secure Together - Enhancing Ireland’s Security and Resilience in a Time of Heightened Geopolitical Risk December 2025

Ireland, the Triple Lock and Military Neutrality

What’s Past is Prologue: Ireland’s Security and Defence in a New European Context

This paper, authored by Vice Admiral (Ret.) Mark Mellett, Former Chief of Defence of the Irish Defence Forces, reflects upon the origins of Ireland’s relationship to its own national security and defence

Finding the Words: The IIEA Handbook of Irish Security and Defence Terminology

This glossary aims to provide an entry point into Irish security and defence terminology for the general reader.

One Year on from the Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Priorities for European Security and Defence

On Thursday, 9 March 2023, the IIEA and the Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung co-hosted a half-day symposium reflecting on One Year on from the Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Priorities for European Security and Defence.

Black Swans in the Grey Zone:  Defending Ireland’s Energy System Against Cyber Threats

This paper examines the threat posed to critical energy infrastructure and Irish society by hostile Russian cyber activities.

European Neutrals Then and Now

Patrick Keatinge discusses the responses of European neutral countries to the present geopolitical environment.

Securing Europe After Trump: Navigating Troubled Waters

In this paper for the IIEA, Patrick Keatinge, Co-Chair of the IIEA’s Security and Defence Group and Professor Emeritus at Trinity College Dublin, reviews the response of European states to the dangers of political conflict in an unstable international environment at the beginning of 2021.

Military Cooperation in a time of COVID-19

An analysis of how the coronavirus pandemic will impact the security and defence policies of European states.

The “Specific Character” of Ireland’s Security and Defence Policy: Reflections on Neutrality

In this paper for the IIEA, Patrick Keatinge, Co-Chair of the IIEA’s Security and Defence Group and Professor Emeritus at Trinity College Dublin, examines how Ireland’s Security and Defence Policy has evolved; how it is reflected in Ireland’s response to the main security challenges; and how it is understood in public debate today.

EU Strategic Autonomy: Filling the Gaps: A New Momentum for Common Security and Defence Policy

This policy brief examines the accelerated development of Common Security and Defence policy in the two years following the publication of the ‘EU Global Strategy’.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: European Security – Autumn 2015

In this paper, Patrick Keatinge reflects on the developments in the Ukraine crisis and the Arab winter, and examines the European Union’s response to both of these situations.

National Survey Analysis

Under the Auspices of the IIEA/RDS Leadership Forum on Climate Smart Agriculture, we conducted a survey of over 1,500 national experts and stakeholders exploring attitudes to Irish Leadership on climate-smart agriculture

Reflections on Defending an Independent Scotland: a View from Ireland

The object of this paper, written by Colonel Dorcha Lee, is to explore how the SDF (Scottish Defence Forces) could be established, with particular reference to lessons learned from the Irish experience.

European Security in the 21st Century: The EU’s Comprehensive Approach

This paper considers how the EU institutions have been adapted by the Lisbon Treaty to facilitate the implementation of the comprehensive approach.

If Russia Wins  

A hybrid event with Professor Dr Carlo Masala, Chair for Security and Defence Studies at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Germany.

Opportunities in Orbit: The Role of Space as a Source of National Resilience and Prosperity.

A panel discussion on the role of space as a source of national resilience and prosperity

The Effectiveness of EU Military Missions and Operations

A webinar presentation by Lt. Gen. Michiel van der Laan, Director-General of the EU Military Staff

The Role of the Private Sector in Warfare

A webinar presentation on the role of the private sector in warfare

Hot Wars, Hot Planet: Climate Change and Security in a Competitive World

A webinar on climate change and security in a competitive world

Protecting Critical Offshore Infrastructure from Hybrid Threats

A hybrid panel discussion on protecting critical offshore infrastructure

Ireland’s Cybersecurity Challenges

Richard Browne, Director of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will discuss Ireland’s cybersecurity challenges.

European Security and the EU White Paper on Defence

Europe faces an urgent security challenge. This panel explores how EU Member States can strengthen defence capabilities, replenish equipment stocks, and support partners like Ukraine amid growing geopolitical threats.

France’s Place in a Changing Geopolitical Order

Dr Pascal Boniface explores France’s evolving global strategy amid shifting alliances, the war in Ukraine, and the redefinition of transatlantic and Middle Eastern relations.

Achieving Depth: Subsea Telecommunications Cables as Critical Infrastructure.

A Webinar Presentation by Dr Camino Kavanagh on Subsea Telecommications Cables as Critical Infrastructure

Challenges to Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Efforts in the Current Geopolitical Context

An address by Ambassador Stephan Klement, EU Special Envoy on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament

Influence Operations and the Rise of Artificial Intelligence

Open-Source Intelligence and the War in Ukraine

A webinar discussion on Open-Source Intelligence and the War in Ukraine

Enhancing Europe’s Defence Capabilities Following Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

A Conversation with Jiří Šedivý, Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency

The Russia-Ukraine War: Its Causes, Conduct, and Geopolitical Context

A presentation by Alexander Vindman, Former Director for European Affairs at the US National Security Council.

The War in Gaza: What Does It Mean for the Greater Middle East

A Webinar Presentation on The War in Gaza: What Does It Mean for the Greater Middle East?

The Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in 2024 and Beyond

Achieving Compatibility of Pacifism and Self-Protection: Japan’s National Defence Strategy

A presentation by Dr Declan Downey, Assistant Professor at University College Dublin

NATO in a New Era of Collective Defence

A Presentation by Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee

Challenges in European Integrated Border Management

A webinar presentation by Hans Leijtens, Executive Director of Frontex

A Colombian Foreign Policy on Life and Peace

A keynote address by Vice-Minister Francisco Coy, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia on Colombia’s plan for Total Peace.

UN Peacekeeping: A Conversation with the Military Advisor to the UN Department of Peace Operations, General Birame Diop

China’s Whole-of-Society Approach to Espionage

A Webinar presentation by Nicholas Eftimiades, Professor at Penn State University on China’s Whole-of-Society Approach to Espionage.

Ensuring Accountability and Justice for International crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine

This event will reflect on the legal options and challenges for justice and accountability mechanisms in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, including the prospects for the establishment of a special international tribunal.

Strategic foresight capabilities in a changing security context

A panel event on Developing strategic foresight capabilities to navigate a changing security context.

Sudan - from Promise to Peril: Origins and Prospects for a Failed Political Transition

A webinar presentation by Professor Sharath Srinivasan, David and Elaine Potter Associate Professor at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Politics and International Studies and Co-Director of the University’s Centre of Governance & Human Rights.

The Ukraine War and Critical Energy Infrastructure: The Growing Hybrid Threats to Europe?

A webinar presentation by Dr Sarah Lohmann, Acting Assistant Professor in the Henry M. Jackson School for International Studies at the University of Washington.

Security in Europe in a Time of War – the Polish perspective

Adam Bugajski will discuss the impact of Russia’s war on European security from the perspective of Poland.

The Politics of Command: Lessons from the Russo-Ukraine War  

Whole-of-Society Defence Against Greyzone Aggression

The Strategic Compass: One Year On

Reflections on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: One Year On

A Conversation with Mircea Geoană, Deputy Secretary General, NATO

In this questions and answers session at the IIEA, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană discusses how the Alliance has responded to Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, what the conflict means for NATO and how the war has fundamentally affected the international order.

What is the Wagner Group and What is it For?

A webinar presentation by Candace Rondeaux, Director of Future Frontlines at New America and Professor of Practice at Arizona State University

Middle East Axes and Poles: The Geopolitics of MENA in 2022 and Beyond

A Webinar presentation by Dr Hisham Hellyer, Fellow at The University of Cambridge and Senior Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute.

The Evolution of Hybrid Threats and Possibilities to Counter Them

A webinar presentation by Teija Tiilikainen, Director of the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats.

Defending Europe: American Perspectives on the Madrid Summit and NATO’s New Strategic Concept

A Webinar Presentation by David F. Helvey, US Secretary of Defense Deputy Representative in Europe and the Deputy Defense Advisor for the US Mission to NATO.

Building-up Irish Defence: The Commission on the Defence Forces

Renata Dwan and Ben Tonra discuss the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.

The Future of EU and NATO Defence Cooperation

Managing Director CSDP and Crisis Response at the European External Action Service Pawel Herczynski discusses the future of cooperation between the EU and NATO

The Gray Zone: Cooperation and Collective Defence for the 21st Century Security Environment

Security shocks for EU Member States outside NATO: Finnish and Irish Perspectives on defence transformation

A panel of expert speakers will examine the similarities and differences between the Irish and Finnish defence perspectives.

War in Ukraine: Is this the end of the long peace in Europe?

In this webinar, our panelists discusses the implications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Return of Geopolitics

Vice Admiral Mark Mellett (ret.) along with Dr Ulrike Franke and Dr Thomas Wright will address the return of geopolitics to the world stage, and its effects on small neutral nations like Ireland.

Changing Dynamics in European Foreign Policy

Pierre Vimont, formerly the first executive-Secretary-General of the EEAS, is a Senior Fellow at Carnegie Europe. His research focuses on French foreign policy, transatlantic relations and European Neighbourhood Policy.

Dynamics in the Indo-Pacific: EU and National Perspectives

This expert panel will explore Europe’s deepening engagement with the Indo-Pacific, and will encompass the perspective of the EU, Member States, and regional actors.

Building Peace in Complex Environments: Strategic and Operational Perspectives

The IIEA, in cooperation with the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Irish Department of Defence, and the Irish Defence Forces, hosts this joint seminar on peace building in complex environments, providing both strategic and operational perspectives.

Transatlantic Relations Post 9/11: A Review of the Deep Trends

In her address to the IIEA, Dr. Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer will discuss the asymmetric expectations of the transatlantic relationship and the transition to responsibility-sharing.

Building Europe’s Cyber Resilience through Defence and Diplomacy

The Future of Defence: 2030 and Beyond

This second defence seminar is jointly organised by the IIEA, the RIA Standing Committee and the Commission on the Defence Forces to advance expert and public debate.

Confronting the long crisis of the Multilateral Order

A webinar with Susana Malcorra on the crisis facing the multilateral order.

Building Resilience and Prosperity with Cybersecurity

In this address, Lindy Cameron, CEO of the UK NCSC will discuss the role of cybersecurity in building resilience and prosperity both at a domestic and international level.

SEMINAR: THE COMMISSION ON THE DEFENCE FORCES

WEBINAR: Ireland and the Arctic Council

The Department of Foreign Affairs and the IIEA will jointly host this public webinar on “Ireland and the Arctic Council” to discuss some of the issues and opportunities arising from Ireland’s application for observer status to the Council.

Nathalie Loiseau, MEP, Chair of the Security and Defence Sub-Committee

WEBINAR:  Reconfiguring Security and Defence post-Trump and post-Brexit

Irish Women in Leadership in Peace, Security and Diplomacy

Strategic Challenges to EU Defence

Strategy Building for Small States in European Security and Defence

This briefing paper is the product of the last of three research-based, half-day seminars organised by the IIEA with the support of the ERASMUS+ and the Nortia academic network. The paper focuses on strategy building for small states in European security and defence.

European Security and Defence

This briefing paper is published as part of a series of three research-based half-day seminars organised by the IIEA with the support of the ERASMUS+ and the Nortia academic network. The paper focuses on the contribution of small states, including Ireland, to the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy.

European Security Threats

The series aims to further debate in Ireland on defence policy with the input of leading scholars, experts and practitioners on i) threats to small states in Europe ii) the contribution of small states to European security and defence iii) strategy building for small states in European security and defence.

Who is Acting, Who is Reacting? : Does the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity Signal a New Moment in European Defence?

Collaboration, Security, and Power: The European Defence Industrial Strategy

How Ireland can pioneer defence against greyzone threats  

Will the Stars Align? What the Creation of an EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine May Mean for Ireland

Explainer: Ireland’s High Level Action Plan to Enhance its Defence Forces

A New Level of Ambition: The Capability Recommendations of The Commission on the Defence Forces

The Gray Zone: Ireland in an Era of Renewed Great Power Competition

The Cost of Passivity: Can the Strategic Compass Guide the EU in an Era of Insecurity?

Reconfiguring Security and Defence post-Trump and post-Brexit: A French Perspective

Rethink Energy: The Green Deal and the Future of Climate Policy

Developing an effective security strategy in Ireland: Lessons from the cyber domain

When ‛small’ translates as a lack of vision and action

Small can be beautiful … in defence

European Defence: Small States Thinking Big

The Small State Advantage

Small States Contribution to Security and Defence: The Finnish Way

The Problems of Mortgaging Détente – The Case of Sweden

Mapping Threats and Models: An Irish Review

The Geostrategic Challenge and the Small State: An Austrian Perspective

Evolving Hybrid Threats: Charting a New Course for Security