PECULIARITIES OF FOREIGN POLICY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND UNDER CONDITIONS OF GLOBAL POLITICAL TRANSFORMATIONS

Abstract

The article analyses the foundations of foreign policy and international relations of the Republic of Ireland under the conditions of transformation of the contemporary system of international relations and the formation of a new world order. It is shown that today the Republic of Ireland is a successful highly developed state in the world and has diplomatic relations with 161 other states, many embassies and consulates abroad. Since the early 1800s Irish people have emigrated in large numbers to many parts of the world, hence the Republic of Ireland’s close economic and cultural ties with countries where a significant proportion of the population is of Irish descent. These include the USA, Australia, Great Britain, Canada and New Zealand. The Republic of Ireland’s international relations are significantly influenced by its membership of the EU, although bilateral relations with the USA and the UK are also important to the state. The Republic of Ireland is a small EU member state that has traditionally pursued a non-aligned foreign policy. Ireland has historically sought independence in foreign military policy and it is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and has a long-standing policy of military neutrality. It is reasoned that the Republic of Ireland is committed to the UN system and its diplomacy endeavours to uphold the values of liberal democracy and especially respect for human rights. It has a sense of solidarity with many countries that have also achieved independence over the last hundred years. A policy of neutrality has helped the Republic of Ireland to succeed in their contribution to numerous UN peacekeeping missions. Membership of the UN is at the centre of the Republic of Ireland’s foreign policy. The Republic of Ireland has made an important contribution to the UN Security Council (UNSC). Since joining the UN in 1955, the Republic of Ireland has sat on the UNSC four times – in 1961, 1981– 1982, 2001–2002 and 2021–2022. It has been proven that in the Republic of Ireland the EU represents the main instrument through which the country’s foreign policy interests are promoted. In addition, the Republic of Ireland attaches great importance to multilateral forums such as the UN, the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The Republic of Ireland makes effective use of these organizations to promote a safer, fairer and more just global environment. In addition, the Republic of Ireland attaches great importance to bilateral relations with a number of important and friendly countries, of which the UK, the USA and EU countries are the most important ones. It is argued that drawing on its individual national experience, the Republic of Ireland utilizes the influence of its Diaspora and cultural diplomacy to take its place in a changing world. The core purpose of Irish diplomacy, namely the promotion of Irish interests in the international arena, has remained largely unchanged over time. However, the contemporary global environment, the transformation of the contemporary system of international relations and the international order requires a unified and adaptable approach from the Government and a more flexible response from the diplomats of the Republic of Ireland. The Republic of Ireland has demonstrated resilience, adaptability and creativity over the years and these qualities remain invaluable in an increasingly globalised world.