Ireland and international law 2015

Cubie, Dug

Ireland and international law 2015

Files

Ireland and International Law 2015 D Cubie FINAL published IYIL Vol 10.pdf(242.77 KB)

Published Version

Date

2017

Authors

Cubie, Dug

Publisher

Hart Publishing

Abstract

Reviewing the key issues arising in 2015 for Ireland from an international law and foreign relations perspective from the vantage point of early 2017, one is stuck by how the level of global uncertainty and fear for the future has increased in such a short period of time. The conclusion of multilateral international agreements during 2015, such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, provided much-needed optimism that global approaches to major challenges could be negotiated despite the diverse interests at stake. However, the events of 2016, particularly Brexit and election of President Trump, have signalled a fundamental shift of focus and concern. This is not to say that things were plain sailing during 2015. That year commenced with the devastating impact of the Ebola virus in West Africa, and the Syrian crisis reached its ﬁfth year with no signs of abatement. Moreover, ﬁghting was ongoing in eastern Ukraine and the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris shocked the world. Likewise, the April 2015 Nepalese earthquake overwhelmed both local communities and international tourists in the Himalayas. One is also struck by the level of preparation for Brexit on the part of the Irish authorities, even if during 2015 it was thought a remote possibility that the UK would actually vote to leave the European Union (EU). Indeed, the importance of Ireland’s role within the EU was one of the key themes highlighted in the comprehensive review of Irish foreign policy launched in January 2015. New policy documents were also launched covering Ireland’s Diaspora Policy and a White Paper on defence. From an operational perspective, the Irish Defence Forces continued their active engagement in peacekeeping missions, in particular the long-standing commitment to Lebanon and the Golan Heights, and Irish overseas development assistance increased to nearly € 650 million, including € 142 million for emergency humanitarian support in conﬂicts and natural disasters. Meanwhile, in June consular ofﬁcials at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade responded to the tragic deaths of six young Irish students in Berkeley, California.

Keywords

Ireland , International law , 2015

Citation

Cubie, D. (2017) 'Ireland and international law 2015', Irish Yearbook of International Law, 10, 2015, pp. 241-263.