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As the war in Ukraine continues, there has been a growing debate in Ireland about its traditional policy of military neutrality and whether it should now consider joining NATO. Having expressed its full support for Ukraine, and with growing Russian naval activity around its shores, the Irish government has announced a public consultation on its defence policy and future strategic alignment. But will it really go so far as to end its neutral stance in world affairs and join the Western alliance? For much of its history, Ireland has clung to the principle of military neutrality. Originally defined as a way to set itself apart from neighbouring Britain, this controversially saw Ireland refuse to take up arms against Nazi Germany during the Second World War. It also rejected a US offer to join NATO when it was founded in 1949. Since then, neutrality has become a fundamental part of the Irish identity on the world stage. The Irish Defence Forces have been a leading participant in UN peacekeeping operations. But there are now questions about whether it is time to rethink the policy of neutrality. Many argue that Ireland can no longer afford to ignore changes in the world. This is especially important given Ireland's growing significance for vital undersea cables linking Europe and North America. More to the point, a stunning revelation that Ireland has had a secret agreement with the United Kingdom for seventy years that allows the Royal Air Force (RAF) to protect Irish airspace has called into question one of the main rationales for Irish neutrality. So, is it time for Ireland to abandon neutrality and formally join NATO? *MY NEW BOOK!* Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know Oxford University Press Amazon *SUPPORT THE CHANNEL* Hello and welcome! My name is James Ker-Lindsay, and here I take an informed look at International Relations, conflict, security, and statehood. If you like what you see, feel free to subscribe. If you want more, including exclusive content and access to the channel Discord server, please consider becoming a Channel Member or support me through Patreon. I would greatly appreciate your support. Thank you! SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER JOIN MY PATREON PAGE *VIDEO CHAPTERS* 00:00 Introduction and Title 00:56 Neutrality, NATO and Ireland 01:49 Ireland: Location and Population 02:31 A Brief History of Ireland 03:37 The Emergence of Ireland’s Neutrality 04:53 Ireland’s Neutrality During the Cold War 06:11 Ireland’s Neutrality after the Cold War 07:28 Ireland, Neutrality and the War in Ukraine 09:42 The Case for Continued Irish Neutrality 12:31 Will Ireland Remain Neutral? *SOURCES AND FURTHER READING* Irish Defence Forces Ireland | Department of Foreign Affairs Protocol on the Concerns of the Irish People | Lisbon Treaty LINK NATO The Map Archive *EQUIPMENT USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO* *DISCLAIMERS* - The contents of this video and any views expressed in it were not reviewed in advance nor determined by any outside persons or organisation. - Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel and will be at no additional cost to you. #Ireland #NATO #Neutrality
