Defending Ireland: The Irish State and Its Enemies since 1922 - Softcover

O'Halpin, Eunan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199242690 ISBN 13: 9780199242696

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2001

Synopsis

This fascinating and original book is the first to analyse the evolution of internal security policy and external defence policy in Ireland from independence to the present day.

Professor O'Halpin examines the very limited concept of external defence understood by the first generation of Irish leaders, going on to chart the state's repeated struggles with the IRA and with other perceived internal and external threats to stability. He explores the state's defence and security relations with Britain and the United States and, drawing extensively on newly released records, he deals authoritatively with problems of subversion, espionage, counterintelligence and codebreaking during the Second World War.

In conclusion, the book analyses significant post-Second World War developments, including anti-communist co-operation with Western powers, the emergence of UN service as a key element of Irish foreign and defence policy, the state's response to the Northern Ireland crisis since 1969, and Ireland's difficulties in addressing the collective security dilemmas facing the European Union in the post-Cold War era. It is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the development of independent Ireland since 1922.

About this title

Review

Professor O'Halpin has threaded his way with care and perception through the intricacies of history, examining the ways in which the democratic processes of the State were threatened, and demonstrating how those threats were faced and eventually overcome. Not only is the story well told, but the fact that it has been told is of inestimable value, because in some instances the reality is so different from the myths that have grown up around the events (Dublin Historical Record)

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0199242690
• ISBN 13: 9780199242696
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 400