Interventionism as a Defense Strategy
Recently elected for two years and for the fourth time in its history as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Ireland is a one-of-a-kind small state in the international system, whose defense strategy is almost exclusively focused on overseas peacekeeping operations. How does such interventionist policy serve Ireland’s national interest and sovereignty ? The article argues that Ireland has succeeded in developing an original strategic posture centered around the concept of “active neutrality,” which allows for mobilizing social, cultural and symbolic resources that Irish defense actors have built on over several decades. These resources help the country being recognized as a credible and trusted actor of the global peacekeeping field. The article is illustrated with a case study of Ireland’s role during the operation Eufor Chad/Central African