This paper, authored by Vice Admiral (Ret.) Mark Mellett, Former Chief of Defence of the Irish Defence Forces, reflects upon the origins of Ireland’s relationship to its own national security and defence. It traces the development of Ireland’s focus on the land domain at the expense of the maritime from the foundation of the Irish State, and the insufficient focus given to Ireland’s security and defence.

The paper highlights that in a more challenging security environment, and with multilateral institutions under increased strain, Ireland will have to be more proactive in holding up its own sovereign rights for the security of the people who live on the island and in order to meet its obligations and as a committed member of the multilateral system. Finally, this paper argues that for Ireland to be able to adapt to this episteme of increased geostrategic tension, Ireland will not only need to formulate a strategy for how it approaches matters of defence, but will have to generate the political will from policymakers to usher in a new strategic culture which recognises the risks to the Island and the importance of its protection.