Donnacha Ó Beacháin
@donnachadcu.bsky.social
2K followers 730 following 190 posts
Professor of Politics, Dublin City University (DCU) Ukraine | Russian imperialism | South Caucasus | Central Asia | Belarus | Moldova | unrecognised states | Irish history, politics and foreign policy
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donnachadcu.bsky.social
Russian imperialism didn’t start in 2022, nor is it confined to Ukraine.

My new book analyses the Kremlin’s long shadow—past and present.

Out on 24 April.
Reposted by Donnacha Ó Beacháin
bentonra.bsky.social
If you’re ever in the mood for a 40min survey of Irish foreign policy you might enjoy this: youtu.be/hv5ggSV2-vQ?... Me in conversation with Prof James Jer-Lindsay. Bring a salt shaker. 😆
Understanding Irish Foreign Policy | Ben Tonra
YouTube video by Prof James Ker-Lindsay
youtu.be
donnachadcu.bsky.social
Thirty years ago, we celebrated Eastern Europe’s democratisation

Now democracies are autocratising

The real threat isn’t only external. It’s the cancer of authoritarianism growing from within
donnachadcu.bsky.social
On Euronews I highlighted that Ukraine isn’t just Europe’s shield - it’s also its teacher.

What Ukraine learns - and invents - today will shape how the EU and NATO deter Russia tomorrow.
Reposted by Donnacha Ó Beacháin
euronews.com
In this edition, we discuss the EU proposal for a 'drone wall' of detection and interception systems & zoom in on the ongoing anti government protests in Serbia.

#BrusselsMyLove
Brussels, my love? Can a 'drone wall' stop Putin?
In this edition, we discuss the EU proposal for a 'drone wall' of detection and interception systems & zoom in on the ongoing anti government protests in Serbia.
l.euronews.com
Reposted by Donnacha Ó Beacháin
dublincityuni.bsky.social
The short film, 'Why Wouldn't You?', created by the DCU Irish Refugee Integration Network (IRIN) and Sanctuary, has been selected for the 14th Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival, taking place October 3-5.
Read more here: launch.dcu.ie/42maAYe
donnachadcu.bsky.social
Delighted to join host Méabh McMahon and fellow panelists Ilke Toygür and Matthew Robinson for the final episode of "Brussels, my love?", which will be broadcast on Euronews throughout this weekend

Russia, Ukraine, drone walls, European security, Serbia, MAGA, Sarkozy - we covered a lot of ground!
donnachadcu.bsky.social
Agreed, Eoghan. Germany is enabling war crimes against Palestinians. Many Germans have drawn the wrong lesson from the Holocaust, thinking it obliges them to give unconditional support to Israel whereas the true lesson should be universal - to prevent genocide and protect the oppressed, everywhere.
donnachadcu.bsky.social
A decisive victory in #Moldova for the pro-EU government against a Moscow-leaning alliance - despite Russian money, interference & disinformation.

I’ll discuss the significance of this on RTÉ's "News at One" shortly after 1pm
donnachadcu.bsky.social
A presidential candidate in Ireland has claimed that Germany’s recent increase in defence spending echoes Nazi rearmament during the 1930s.

I explain here why that parallel is not just misleading but simply wrong.

Full article: irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41712842.html
donnachadcu.bsky.social
On TRT World I noted that the UN is only as strong as its members’ political will.

Its flaws are real, but the deeper problem is division and bad faith among states with veto powers.

Preventing mass murder and annexation in Palestine & Ukraine are defining tests for the UN.
donnachadcu.bsky.social
Ireland’s donation of vehicles & de-mining robots to Ukraine is welcome

Modest contributions like this save lives & sustain frontline operations

However, strong collective EU action is needed to counter Russia’s escalating drone & missile strikes

See www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...
donnachadcu.bsky.social
The UN turns 80 but still can’t deliver on its core mission.

On @aljazeera.com I noted its strength as a global forum - yet it remains hobbled by structural flaws and political pressures from bad actors. #UN80
donnachadcu.bsky.social
Getting ready to speak to speak to @aljazeera.com about the current state of world politics and challenges for the UN at 80.
donnachadcu.bsky.social
Enjoyed talking with Jerry O'Sullivan on Radio Kerry today
about mounting challenges faced by European democracies

Just 12% of humanity lives in a liberal democracy and this relatively recent regime-type faces ever-growing autocratic and military threats

www.radiokerry.ie/podcasts/ker...
Western Democracy Under Attack – September 11th, 2025 | RadioKerry.ie
Jerry spoke to Donnacha Ó Beacháin who is professor of politics at the School of Law and Government at DCU. He says we should be very concerned by the actions o...
www.radiokerry.ie
donnachadcu.bsky.social
Appreciate Senator Tom Clonan’s review of my new book in The Irish Times.

"Unfinished Empire" shows how Russian imperialism has shaped the fate of its neighbours, from the tsarist conquests to Soviet domination and today’s relentless aggression.
donnachadcu.bsky.social
I spoke to IrelandAM about the recent summits in Alaska and DC

As Trump praises Putin’s "readiness to negotiate" over Ukraine’s "prime territory" Russia unleashes record drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities

It's what happens when real estate developers meet realpolitik practitioners
Reposted by Donnacha Ó Beacháin
gerryarthurs.bsky.social
This really is such a timely and incisive publication - recommended for all students of international relations - or anyone just interested in what is going on in the world right now.
donnachadcu.bsky.social
A second printing of "Unfinished Empire" is already out!

The updated back cover features a selection of wonderful endorsements.

Delighted to see my book resonating and grateful to everyone who has read, supported, or engaged with it so far!
donnachadcu.bsky.social
Spoke with @thejournal_ie about the importance of Ukraine's Donbas region

I learned a lot while lecturing at the university in Donetsk

Students and faculty were forced to relocate to Mariupol following the first Russian invasion (2014) and to Kyiv in 2022

www.thejournal.ie/explainer-uk...
What parts of Ukraine could Vladimir Putin ask for in exchange for an end to the war?
The proposal could be on the table ahead of a mooted meeting between Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
www.thejournal.ie