'Check and Balances on US Presidents: Legal and Political Perspectives'The forthcoming presidential election in the United States has been described as among the most consequential in the republic’s 248-year history. In this edition of IIEA Insights, Lecturer in Law at University of Galway, Larry Donnelly, discusses how political power is diffused …

In July 2024, the International Court of Justice delivered an Advisory Opinion on the legal consequences of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories while, at the same time, examining alleged breaches of the Genocide Convention by Israel in the context of its war on Gaza in a separate case brought by South Africa. This panel of experts exp…

As the conversation on the future of industrial policy in the European Union continues, questions on the future of European competitiveness, the green transition, and trade policy have grown in importance. In her remarks to the IIEA, Garance Pineau reflects upon these key concerns and offers the French vision for the future of the European business…

In conversation with Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), he explores the most pressing issues facing the aviation industry today. The conversation looks at the industry’s ambitious commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities that stakeh…

'The end of the free market and free trade in Europe?'The recent imposition of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles by the EU, which won the support of member states including Ireland, is just one illustration of how the potential downsides of free trade have been given greater prioritisation in Europe in recent years. The appointment of a European…

This address by Prof Emanuel Del Re, the EU Special Representative for the Sahel, which is part of the IIEA Development Matters series supported by Irish Aid, focuses on the evolving dynamics of the EU-Africa relationship, with a particular emphasis on the Sahel region. In her address, Prof Del Re explores key strategic areas such as security, deve…

In his address to the IIEA, Ambassador Javier Niño Pérez discusses the evolving partnership between the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU). This discussion highlights the partnership’s commitment to multilateralism to reduce global inequalities, strengthen solidarity, promote international cooperation, and fight and mitigate climate cha…

'Does Ireland have a Europe strategy?'Europe is in flux. Countries are re-arming in response to growing security threats. Economic security risks are leading to a rethinking of EU state aid rules, competition and trade policies. With public opinion shifting against immigration across the continent, how the EU and its members handle asylum applicati…

Human impacts on the global ocean are increasing in scale and scope. As we learn more about climate change, plastic pollution, deep sea mining, and overfishing we see more clearly that these impacts alter our relationship with the ocean. Around the world, communities of people are working together to observe, understand, and act to sustain ocean ha…

In his remarks to the IIEA, Frank Elderson, Member of the Executive Board and Vice President of the Supervisory Board of the European Central Bank, provides an overview of major trends of relevance for the macro financial outlook in Europe. He discusses how these trends are reflected in the ECB’s monetary policy and banking supervision priorities. …

Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), Intelligence gathered using publicly available data from sources such as social media, has changed how we think about intelligence gathering and secrecy. Though OSINT has been used for years by researchers, Russia's war in Ukraine has illustrated the effectiveness of OSINT tools for both researchers, and government…

As the pace of technological change continues to accelerate, driven by advancements in generative AI, machine learning, and quantum computing, organisations and enterprise have been faced with increasing uncertainty. Amongst this uncertainty, climate change, geopolitical competition and demographic changes continue to pose challenges to society and…

'Britain’s relations with its neighbours and the EU: what has changed and what can change?'Britain’s Labour Party came to power in early July. It was the UK’s first change of government since Brexit and since the upheaval Britain’s departure from the EU caused in relations with its European neighbours. In the coming edition of IIEA Insights, Daithí…

According to Dr Šedivý, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has highlighted the necessity for the EU to strengthen Europe’s Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB). A resilient and competitive EDTIB is a precondition for being able to develop and produce the capabilities that Member States and the EU’s partners require for their de…

Until the early 2000s, the Netherlands stood out as an exception in the success of far-right challengers: while populist radical right contenders were gaining significant electoral traction in neighboring countries, they long struggled to achieve similar success in the Netherlands. However, according to Dr Léonie de Jonge, since the turn of the 21s…

'Trump’s tariffs: the implications for transatlantic trade'America has soured on free trade and globalisation. Disruption to transatlantic trade is a major near-term risk for the Irish economy, as the biggest per capita goods exporter to the US among EU members. One of the candidates in November’s US presidential election has promised across-the-bo…

In his address to the IIEA, Dr Vindman examines the Russia-Ukraine War: Past, Present, and Future. He discusses the roots of the war and its conduct to date, highlighting the conflict’s effects on European security, the trans-Atlantic alliance, and broader geopolitics. Dr Vindman also provides analysis on how the war is likely to unfold and conclud…

In this address to the IIEA, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi, discusses the membership aspirations of Moldova and ongoing negotiations with the European Union, particularly about the necessary structural reforms underway within the country, and the feasibility of the 2030 target date fo…

In this panel, Dr Elodie Fabre and Mathieu Gallard dissect the recent French legislative elections. These two experts discuss voting trends, electoral issues, the results and possible new government, and what that may mean for France’s domestic and international policy.About the Speakers:Dr Elodie Fabre is a Lecturer in Politics and International S…

In his remarks to the IIEA, Édouard Philippe analyses the role of France and the EU in adapting to global upheavals. In his address, he underscores France's pivotal role in Europe, especially in promoting peace and economic cooperation, while addressing current challenges such as shifting global power dynamics, waning multilateralism, and defense p…

This panel discusses what the next steps might be for the EU following the European Parliament elections, which took place in June. The panellists will look at where we are in the various post-election processes, as regards to appointments to the top EU jobs, the formation of the parliamentary groups, and the formation of the new Commission.About t…

At a time when migration is one of the most pressing issues on the international agenda – and one of the most polarising – Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), reflects on why it is important to change the global narrative – from one that is highly politicised to one that captures the potential and rich …

Since the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020, reports of crimes against Armenian cultural heritage in the territory have emerged. After Azerbaijan assumed control over Nagorno-Karabakh following a military offensive in October 2023 and the mass expulsion of the region’s ethnic Armenian population, concerns of heritage abuse have intensified. Crime…

In this IIEA webinar, Dr Tim Oliver, Director of Studies, and Senior Lecturer for the Institute for Diplomacy and International Governance, Loughborough University and Dr Lisa Claire Whitten, Research Fellow at Queen's University Belfast, discuss the implications and outcomes of the UK general election that took place on Thursday, 4 July.About the …

Prof. Tobias Lock gives a detailed examination of the constitutional and legal processes behind German reunification to highlight the substantial legal challenges that Irish unification would entail. Similar to German reunification, achieving Irish unity would necessitate negotiations at multiple levels: domestic, bilateral, and international, incl…

France is on the cusp of unprecedented political change. If opinion polls prove correct, Europe’s second largest economy and founding member of the European Union is set to elect a lower house of parliament dominated by the hard right and hard left. This edition of IIEA Insights examines the political, economic, diplomatic, and security implication…

Full event title 'Global Gateway Strategy: EU’s Values-Based Strategy for Enhanced International Partnerships and Sustainable Investments'In her remarks, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, presents the Global Gateway investment strategy. In a time of geopolitical turmoil and subsequent global crises, which have …

In his talk, Michael Kenny discusses the main themes of his new book, Fractured Union, which provides a comprehensive analysis of how and why the UK’s Union has, in his opinion, come near to breaking apart in recent years. He explores the policy options and cultural changes required in British politics and government to put the Union on a more stab…

In his presentation, Gerald Knaus argues that migration fears drive populist leaders like Viktor Orban and Donald Trump to undermine post-war liberal democracies. Using examples from Austria, France, Italy, and Germany, Dr Knaus will demonstrate how these fears have enabled the far-right to achieve their strongest results in recent European electio…

In recent years digital technologies have led to rapid economic and social change. For Ireland and Europe to adapt, grow, and prosper in the digital age it is vital that their populations are equipped with the right skills to navigate this digital transition. In this event an expert panel examines the current state of play with regards to digital s…

How effective has America’s new industrial policy been to date? How seriously should western countries take the threat of a wave of cheap Chinese goods flooding the global marketplace? Is the end of the US dollar as the world's reserve currency in sight? What lessons can be drawn from Japan's 20-year history of unconventional monetary policy? And h…

Sally Hayden, journalist and photographer focused on migration, conflict, and humanitarian crises and an international correspondent for The Irish Times, participates in a fireside chat with IIEA Researcher Tara Kukec and a Q&A session with members. Based on her acclaimed book “My Fourth Time, We Drowned: Seeking Refuge on the World’s Deadliest Mig…

About the Speech: Since the onset of Russia's war against Ukraine, the Franco-German engine has stalled. The two countries are pursuing fundamentally different policies, particularly in security, defense, and energy. Additionally, Berlin and Paris have failed to achieve significant progress on EU enlargement and reform. In this IIEA discussion, Dr …

This panel discussion on sustainable aviation brings together leaders from industry and research. Steven Fitzgerald, Ryanair; Steven Gillard, Boeing; and Prof Marina Efthymiou, DCU, share insights into sustainability initiatives in aviation, including advancements in eco-friendly aircraft technology, operational strategies to reduce carbon emission…

As adolescent mental health has declined substantially in the last decade, it has spurred pervasive concern that digitalisation and social media use might be playing a part in this phenomenon. Dr Orben reflects on the challenges and problems facing research in this space to date, and provides an overview of her team’s work in trying to address thes…

In his remarks, the Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Seán Fleming T.D., discusses the legacy and significant achievements of Irish Aid 50. He outlines Ireland’s strong and consistent focus on ending poverty and hunger and how reaching the furthest behind first, especially in Africa, is at the heart of Irish Aid’s pr…

'Housing policy – international evidence on what works'Paul Cotter, Principal Officer in the Economics Division of the Department of Finance, and Michelle Norris, Professor of Social Policy and Director of the Geary Institute for Public Policy at University College Dublinand, in conversation with Dan O’Brien, IIEA Chief Economist…

In his address to the IIEA, former President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, discusses current global developments and how these relate to the European challenges of our time. In Mr Van Rompuy’s opinion, these challenges include democracy, leadership, strategic autonomy, deindustrialisation, immigration, and potential institutional chan…

Against the backdrop of increased geopolitical tensions, the relationship between the EU, its Member States, and China has continued to remain of significant importance. As the United States' relationship with China has deteriorated, the EU has increasingly sought to chart its own course vis a vis China, seeking partnerships where beneficial while …

An interview with Pat Cox, part of the IIEA's Future Proofing Europe projectDoor IIEA

In their address to the IIEA, John FitzGerald and Edgar Morgenroth present their recent IIEA publication on the Northern Ireland subvention, which considers what the financial costs for the government in Ireland would be of Irish unification, using data from 2019. They discuss the findings from their paper, including that covering the Northern Irel…

In recent years, Europe and much of the world have suffered the largest inflation shock in decades. Central banks have responded with large and rapid increases in interest rates. In his presentation to the IIEA, Philip Lane, Chief Economist of the European Central Bank, discusses the inflation outlook in the Eurozone at a time when hopes of a retur…

'Managing Europe’s under-performing economy'Lucinda Creighton and Conall Mac Coille in conversation with Dan O'BrienDoor IIEA

SMEs are a vital part of Europe’s digital economy and are essential to ensuring Europe’s future prosperity. In his address to the IIEA, Mr Toffaletti provides a SME perspective on developments in digital policy and the digital economy over recent years. He particularly assesses the challenges that SMEs may face in navigating digital regulation and …

In her address, Aoife Barry discusses her book Social Capital: Life Online in the Shadow of Ireland's Tech Boom, which focuses on what she discovered while interviewing people in Ireland about their online behaviour and how they have been treated online, and what this illustrates about the regulatory and legal challenges facing both social media us…

In this IIEA panel, three experts discusses the conflict in Gaza and its broader implications for the regional stability of the Greater Middle East. As the conflict continues, regional actors in the Arab Gulf and the Levant, have stepped up their activities threatening a widening of the conflict beyond the present battlespace. Meanwhile, global pow…

In Minister Adlercreutz’s view, the long-term success of Europe is being decided now, and Europe must act now. Against the backdrop of a more challenging world, the European elections are fast approaching. As part of the Future-Proofing Europe project, Minister Adlercreutz’s address outlines how Finland seeks to meet these challenges as well as the…

In his address to the IIEA, Professor Treisman discusses his recent book Spin Dictators: The Changing Face of Tyranny in the 21st Century. He discusses how a new type of authoritarian regime has emerged which is better adapted to ruling sophisticated, globally-connected societies. These authoritarian regimes rely less on violent repression and inst…

The fiscal theory of the price level states that inflation results from more government debt than people believe will be repaid. In his remarks to the IIEA, Dr Cochrane explains the idea, and uses it to understand the surge of inflation in 2021-2022, why that inflation went away without restrictive monetary policy and a recession, the strange quiet…

In this address to the IIEA, Lutz Güllner, Head of Division for Strategic Communications and Information Analysis at the European External Action Service, discusses the issue of disinformation and foreign information manipulation and their implications for the EU’s democratic resilience. Mr Güllner also focuses on the ways in which the EU is respon…