This work takes a look at how small states are characterized in the political science discipline of international relations, and what kinds of strategies they use to secure their interests in a globalized world. With the example of Ireland as a small and classically neutral state, the focus thereby lays on the foreign policy strategy of neutrality. Why do small European states adopt a neutral foreign policy and how does this strategy influence the development of the state? To understand the theoretical background of this theme and to get a clear understanding of the term, first the theoretical concept of small states in international relations needs to be explained in a small overview including various definitions and approaches regarding their foreign policy. Proceeding from a review of their different strategies, the specific neutral strategy gets examined depending the the early political-historical background, different kinds of neutrality and neutrality rights. This will then be applied to the specific Irish case. More in-depth focused here is the question: can the Irish foreign policy in the 21st century still be phrased as neutral and what consequences are entailed in the answer? To achieve this, there is the need for an analysis of the Irish neutrality concept and it's development. This will be done in the third part of this work by reviewing the political-historical background of the Irish derivation of the neutrality concept and later also taking into account the latest white paper regarding Ireland's foreign policy from 2015. Also a glance at the meso-level in form of the Irish participation in international organizations like the European Union will be helpful to evaluate Ireland's degree of neutrality. At the end, cases of neutrality conflicts are gonna be pointed out and discussed in regard to the research question.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Theory of small states
- Definition in international relations
- Strategies of small states
- Neutrality as a strategy of small states
- History of the concept
- Forms of neutrality
- Neutral rights
- Irish foreign policy of neutral military
- Historical background of the Irish foreign policy
- Irish participation in international organizations
- Neutrality conflicts?
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work examines the characteristics of small states in the field of international relations, and the strategies they employ to secure their interests in a globalized world. Using Ireland as a case study of a small, traditionally neutral state, the focus lies on the foreign policy strategy of neutrality. The study aims to understand why small European states adopt a neutral foreign policy and how this strategy influences state development.
- Defining small states in international relations
- Strategies of small states in international relations
- Neutrality as a foreign policy strategy
- The historical development of Irish neutrality
- The influence of neutrality on Ireland's foreign policy in the 21st century
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of Irish neutrality, highlighting its constitutional basis and its relevance in the context of European integration. It analyzes the results of the Irish referendums on the Treaty of Nice and the Treaty of Lisbon, highlighting the concerns of Irish voters regarding their national identity and neutrality.
- Theory of small states: This chapter provides an overview of the concept of small states in international relations. It discusses various definitions of small states, considering factors such as population, size, and influence in international relations. The chapter also explores the challenges small states face in asserting their interests in a world dominated by larger powers and introduces different strategies they utilize.
- Neutrality as a strategy of small states: This chapter delves into the concept of neutrality as a strategy for small states. It explores the historical development of neutrality, different forms of neutrality, and the rights associated with neutrality. The chapter examines the implications of neutrality for the foreign policy of small states.
- Irish foreign policy of neutral military: This chapter focuses on the specific case of Ireland and its foreign policy of neutrality. It examines the historical background of Irish neutrality, its participation in international organizations, and potential conflicts with the neutrality concept. The chapter also explores whether Ireland's foreign policy can still be considered truly neutral in the 21st century and analyzes the consequences of its neutrality.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key focus of this work is on the concept of small states in international relations and the foreign policy strategy of neutrality, specifically as applied to the case of Ireland. The work explores the theoretical framework surrounding small states, including definitions, strategies, and the challenges they face. It then examines the specific case of neutrality, its historical development, and its implications for Ireland's foreign policy in the context of European integration. Key concepts include small states, international relations, neutrality, foreign policy, Irish neutrality, and European integration.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2019, The Irish Neutrality Concept as an Example for Foreign Policy Strategies of Small States, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/900351
