My op-ed in today's "Irish Examiner" The report on the Russian alumina plant in Aughinish allows Irish ministers to claim they examined the issue while sidestepping the harder question of how governments should respond when the evidence is incomplete but the potential consequences are profound.

I've got that Mayo feeling! Maigh Eo Abú!

My contribution to the discussion on Ireland's neutrality and security at the @macgillschool.bsky.social is quoted in today's "Sunday Independent"

The escalating Russian war in Ukraine, deteriorating EU-US relations, instability in the Middle East, NATO summit in Ankara, and that controversial US-Belgium match! To discuss these issues, I joined Teresa Kuchler and Stefan Grobe @euronews.com podcast hosted by Méadh McMahon. Link in comments

Along with my fellow @dublincityuni.bsky.social colleague @kenmcdonagh.bsky.social I was interviewed by "The Ukrainian Week" magazine about the potential impact of Ireland’s EU Presidency on enlargement, security policy, and Ukraine The article can be accessed here: tyzhden.ua/biudzhet-bez...

On RTÉ's "Prime Time" I argued that Russia’s attacks on civilians are a brutal expression of frustration, driven by setbacks at the front and Ukraine’s increasingly effective strikes on the Kremlin's war machine. Link to programme segment in comments:

Congrats to Oleg Chupryna @maynoothuniversity.ie on passing his PhD viva on the role of civil society in Ukraine’s democratisation. As external examiner, I was happy to read Dr Chupryna’s illuminating thesis, which spans the Granite, Orange and Maidan revolutions and the impact of Russia’s invasion

Last night, Taiwan’s ambassador to the EU, Shieh Jhy-wey, told us that the Taiwanese are world leaders in microchips because they work 8 days a week. In Germany for 9 years, he joked that when others introduced themselves as Gerhard, Reinhard or Erhard he replied: “Hi, I’m Working Hard.”

UCC marked its membership of the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies, bringing together diplomats, researchers and local Ukrainians to celebrate the milestone and outline future plans I presented the findings of my latest book devoted to Russian imperialism in Ukraine and the wider neighbourhood

Why does Aughinish export so much alumina to Russia? Ownership! It's a Russian company, part of an internal supply chain feeding Russian industry despite the invasion of Ukraine The issue isn't so much what Aughinish produces. It's where it goes There are alternatives My interview today ...

On RTÉ, I highlighted a striking contradiction. Ireland hosts Europe’s largest alumina refinery at Aughinish - and exports to Russia have skyrocketed since 2022. Australia banned these exports early in the war, citing their strategic importance. The EU has not followed suit. Why the divergence?

I spoke to TRT World about Eurovision 2026. Amid boycotts over Israel’s participation, the contest faces its biggest crisis yet. The contrast with Russia's and Belarus's exclusion since 2022 has prompted accusations of double standards. Definitely not “United by Music”.

Discussed Hungary elections with Flor MacCarthy and @shonamurray.bsky.social on Oireachtas TV Defeating Orbán is one thing, dismantling Orbánism quite another Expectations are high and Magyar’s support base is diverse, even contradictory. Managing expectations will be key to avoiding fragmentation

I spoke to @thejournal.ie about Hungary's election, which presents a broader choice between closer integration with Europe or continued alignment with anti-EU autocrats.

I spoke to TRT World about the upcoming election in Hungary, a potentially pivotal moment for the country’s political trajectory. In this segment I emphasised how Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party has sought to undermine Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s brutal ongoing invasion.

Happy to participate in this super event organised by Maksym Skrypnyk @ucdpolitics.bsky.social devoted to the implications of Russia's war in Ukraine for the EU and Ireland My contribution focused on how small countries in the Baltic and Scandinavian regions have tried to protect themselves

I was asked about the rationale for the US-Israeli war on Iran and whether an off-ramp was in sight I noted wryly that Americans are a very lucky people - wherever they go to defend freedom and democracy they invariably find oil

30 years after buying my first CD, I finally got to see @divinecomedyhq.bsky.social live. A predictably wonderful performance with a bonus "My Lovely Horse" for St. Patrick's Day! One of the greatest songwriters of our time, Neil Hannon evokes the full range of human emotions with deceptive ease

Saint Patrick's Day celebrations in Brussels were all the more enjoyable in the sunshine. It was also striking to see, once again, the strong emphasis placed on Ireland’s relationship with Ukraine, highlighting continued solidarity during these difficult times.

In this interview we explored how myths, historical distortions, and imperial narratives have long been used to legitimise Russian expansionism - and why understanding them is essential to interpreting the Kremlin’s worldview today. Watch it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xhz...

Happy to participate in the conference "Invisible Lines: Intertwined Histories of the Irish Border" at Maynooth University I focussed on Irish Government policy (1925-75) towards partition generally and northern nationalists in particular (based on my book, "From Partition to Brexit")

On the 4th anniversary of Russia's brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I spoke to Ireland AM Behind every frontline shift is a family story of death and displacement, but also resilience and defiance. Four years on, Ukraine survives. That alone overturns Russia’s war aims.

On the eve the 4th anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine I’m pleased to join what promises to be an illuminating discussion hosted by the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

I was very happy to convey "Why Moldova Matters" at a special event hosted by the RHID, part of Belgium's Ministry of Defence Moldova may be small, but the stakes are immense. It's far wiser to invest in Moldova’s resilience today than to deal with a deeper crisis tomorrow.

There was much food for thought at the European parliament today during a long discussion on populism and the future of transatlantic relations in the era of Trumpism. Europe has had many wake up calls in recent years yet too often hits the snooze button.

As tensions between the US and EU escalated last week - over Greenland and Trump's tariffs - I spoke to TRT about Europe’s growing dilemma, caught between Russia and the US. We are seeing a clear return to spheres of influence, with worrying implications for small(er) states.

The international system is undergoing abrupt reordering. EU leaders recognise the breakdown but hesitate to confront its consequences. This is no longer feasible. From @aljazeera.com

I was interviewed by Lithuania’s state broadcaster (LRT) about my book, "Unfinished Empire" The discussion focused on the historical and geopolitical dimensions of Russian imperialism, including in the Baltic region The interview is now available in Lithuanian and Russian. Links in comments

I was asked by @clarechampion.ie to discuss the US military's use of Shannon Airport in light of recent actions by the Trump administration.

Great to catch up with Vicken Cheterian in Brussels for a lively roundtable devoted to his new book, "The 44-Day War: Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Struggle for Nagorno-Karabakh" The book is open access and can be freely downloaded here: www.bloomsburycollections.com/monograph?do...