Over the past few weeks, we’ve resisted getting too close to Nato’s grimy tendrils. The political newcomers at the helm reassure us that maintaining our longstanding neutrality won’t waver; however, duplicity may lie in their speech, where confidence wanes as their glamour increases.
It is essential to have a compelling discourse and an unwavering determination to stand against militarism, battle, and global alliances that lead to devastating destruction – or contrarily. Although a persuasive argument may hold sway, a modest yet prudent voice must rise in these complex times.
The numerous reasons for the Irish state to refrain from joining Nato or any alliance that might entangle us with potentially dubious powers in the future cannot be underestimated.
A previous article highlighted the fundamental responsibility every community has in safeguarding its citizens. That remains a prerequisite. It may appear that we should be defensive, regardless of the circumstances. I, for one, disagree. Condensing the view, hypothetically, should a nuclear war erupt, would we stand a better survival chance maintaining our independence than being at the heart of the destruction? Yes, we would all be devastatingly impacted by a nuclear war, but it’s worth considering…
Our reputation abroad is primarily due to our acknowledged state of peace, rather than being combat-ready. This was confirmed by Leo Varadkar at last year’s national forum, where he pointed out that our traditional position was a significant factor in our election to the UN Security Council, gaining respect from diverse nations in the ‘southern universe’. Former President McAleese’s lasting perception enunciated this, agreeing we are ‘a first-world country with a third-world memory.’
By refraining from antagonising, hostility can be circumvented.
France’s President Macron during his China visit last year urged Europe to separate from the United States, warning that our continent faced the risk of embroiling itself in an irrelevant war. This continues to be relevant to Europe, and to us too.
The commitment to any military alliance would undoubtedly lead to a significant surge in arms and warfare expenditure. To quote US veteran Eisenhower, every dollar channelled towards the death industry is a dollar not invested in healthcare and education.
How fascinating it is when the topic of national unity is brought up and it lures economists from their secluded shelters to throw cold hard numbers on the table, as a precautionary measure. It is even more perplexing that these surveys do not pose a similar query about our willingness to allocate massive funds on destructive weaponry and conduct military operations overseas that lead to lives lost.
Without a doubt, and perhaps as a reminder, our delight would be confined to the pitiful victories symbolized by significant coalition forces.
What the Irish state ought to become is a refuge of peace for all. Steadfast altruistic neutrality could serve as a foundational pillar in a wider initiative to fundamentally change the United Nations itself. We should join hands to establish an International Centre for Peace and Resolution on Irish soil, fuelled by Irish bravery, honour, and creativity.