Ireland’s approach to defence ‘very hypocritical’, says German military expert – The Irish Times

A German security expert has criticized Ireland’s defense policy as hypocritical, arguing that relying on other nations for protection while maintaining neutrality is unrealistic and ultimately requires increased defense spending. Prof. Carlo Masala, chair of security and defence studies at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich, made the comments while discussing his new book, If Russia Wins, in Dublin.

Irish Neutrality Questioned

Masala stated that Ireland’s approach to neutrality, particularly its focus on cost savings in defense, is “very hypocritical,” and clarified a previous description of it as “bigotry” to mean “hypocrisy.” He argued that true neutrality necessitates the ability to defend against any potential attack, acknowledging this would lead to higher defense expenditures.

“Neutrality, if you take it seriously, is the assumption that you stay out of everything and then you can’t expect anyone to come to the rescue,” Masala said. He added that neutrality is contingent on acceptance by other nations, citing recent incidents involving drones potentially targeting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s plane as evidence that neutrality isn’t universally respected.

Masala pointed to Switzerland, a historically neutral country, as an example, noting its recent decision to invest more in defense and increase international cooperation. He suggested Ireland should follow suit.

Democracy and Defense Spending

The expert acknowledged the political challenges for any Irish party campaigning on a platform of abandoning neutrality, stating, “be honest with people. Neutrality means that, in the end of the day, you have to invest even more in defence.”

Masala, a former deputy director at the Nato Defence College in Rome, expressed confidence in democracy’s ability to overcome challenges posed by a “neo-imperialist” Russia, a less committed United States, and China’s ambitions to reshape the global order. He emphasized the importance of actively defending democratic principles, stating, “you should not take democracy for granted, that democracy has to be defended.”

He highlighted democracy’s successes in the 20th century against fascism and communism, asserting its potential for survival in the 21st century, provided societies recognize the need to actively safeguard it.