Is Ireland Neutral?: The Many Myths of Irish Neutrality

by Conor Gallagher

An exploration into the truth of Ireland's historic neutrality.

Neutrality has, supposedly, long been a pillar of the Irish national identity. But examining the concept reveals it to be a vague, flimsy and elastic notion that, throughout history, various governments have been happy to stretch or, in some cases, abandon entirely. Today, warfare has expanded to include cyberattacks, environmental concerns, election interference and disinformation. If our traditional idea of warfare is changing, should our idea of neutrality change, too?

In this timely and thought-provoking examination of a core tenet of Irish society, Conor Gallagher explores the practical and ethical implications of choosing a side. He asks, in the face of aggression, is it right to sit back and do nothing? And is it even possible to be neutral in such an interconnected world?

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Ireland

320 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2023

Reviews

[Conor Smyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting, would be great to have a chapter the Gaza / Israel conflict as well

[Peter Thew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neutral is a status that most of the Irish population take for granted - we are neutral. But what does this mean - and how neutral are we really? Gallagher is Security correspondent of The Irish Times and this fascinating book explores the history and reality of Irish neutrality. His story begins in the earliest days of the State - a time when De Valera was prepared to use Irish neutrality as a bargaining chip against the partition of the island in discussions with the UK. From that start, via the theoretical neutrality of World War 2 when Ireland was letting captured Allied airmen head back to Northern Ireland whilst imprisoning German ones, the various rows over the refuelling of American aircraft on military business in Shannon airport to the current unequivocal support for Ukraine in its war with the invading Russian army - there have been many varieties of Irish neutrality over the years and this explores them all. There's no easy solution to the questions raised, bu Gallagher had done well to identify and question the issues.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

If we ignore the fact that I’ve been reading this for over a month, we’ll all be happier.

Quite interesting, informative but still makes you question what it actually means to be neutral in the modern world, and if that is even feasible or not.

Ireland prides itself on its neutrality but whether it is a truly neutral state remains to be seen.

[Emily Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can be very content and information heavy of times, but what else can you expect from such a contentious topic!! Great insight into our unneutral neutrality!

[Daryl Feehely · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched and detailed look at the amorphous topic of Irish neutrality. Conor traces the history of Ireland's neutral position, what it meant in the context of the world in each era, and how it has transitioned and morphed to meet different political needs and public sentiment over time.

A must read for every Irish person who thinks they know what neutrality means, because most will be surprised, including me, at the nuance, depth, and sometimes illusionary nature of the term, the concept, and its understanding and reality in modern day Ireland.