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Donnacha Ó Beacháin

@donnachadcu.bsky.social
2.2K followers 791 following 306 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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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
I spoke to @independent.ie about the Irish Government's "Be Emergency Ready" booklet. It compares unfavourably with similar campaigns elsewhere in Europe. Indeed, the core information could have been printed on a double-sided A4 page. www.independent.ie/podcasts/war...
independent.ie
War! Is Ireland ready? And will your emergency booklet save you?
Cash, water, food, batteries and a wind-up radio - would you know what to do if a major emergency hit Ireland?The Government is sending its Be Emergency Ready booklet to two-million households as Russ...
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
On Ireland AM, I spoke about Russia’s parliamentary election - a good illustration of Stalin’s old dictum that it’s not who votes that counts, but who counts the votes.
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Delighted to have spoken today at this sold-out event organised by the Clifden Arts Festival (now in its 50th year!)
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
On @news.rte.ie I pointed out that it’s only 35 years since Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia regained freedom from Kremlin rule. This is living memory for many people, not distant history. They are determined never again to allow Russia to impose its will. www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
rte.ie
Denmark slams 'reckless' firing of flares by Russian ship
Donnacha O'Beacháin, Professor of Politics at Dublin City University, analyses the significance of alleged Russian flare and drone attacks in Denmark and Lithuania.
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I spoke to Newstalk about how the Kremlin has been linked to three separate "hybrid attacks” in the last 24 hours, Russia is not waiting at Europe’s gates. It is already testing the locks. www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
newstalk.com
Should Europe gear up for more Russian attacks? | Newstalk
Russia has been tied to three separate "hybrid attacks” in Europe in the last 24 hours, including...
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John Doyle @johndoyle.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Just a week until Before the Vote is available. It's heartening to be hearing positive feedback already from the advance copies. Looking forward to discussing the research further with people at the launches in Dublin on Sep 30th, Belfast Oct 1st, Derry and Cork later that month. Event links below
Stacked copies of the new upcoming book Before the Vote by John DoyleA graphic of reviews of the new upcoming book Before the Vote by John Doyle by Brendan O'Leary, Séamus McGuinness and Cathy Gormley-Heenan
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Breaking up is hard to do! I spoke with Australia's national television about the future of the UK as the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland meet today in Cardiff to sign a joint declaration demanding the right to hold independence referenda.
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Spoke with Newstalk about Witkoff & Kushner’s trips to Moscow and Kyiv Trump’s reliance on his golf companion and son‑in‑law as envoys – on Ukraine/Russia AND the Middle East – speaks volumes about the seriousness (and limits) of these initiatives www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
newstalk.com
Are we any closer to a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia? | Newstalk
The US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff travelled to Ukraine for the first time yester...
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
I spoke with Anton Savage on Newstalk about the drone attack on Leipzig airport Germany says it's part of a broader Russian hybrid-warfare campaign targeting EU critical infrastructure, military logistics and political cohesion. They expect to be targeted again. www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
newstalk.com
Germany blames Russia for the drone attack on Leipzig airport | Newstalk
Germany has blamed Russia for the drone attack on Leipzig airport attack last month.  How much of...
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
As EU ministers met in Ireland I spoke to @aljazeera.com about how the EU has failed to sanction Israel or render sufficient aid to Ukraine.
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Yesterday, Trump posted that Woodrow Wilson was one of the greatest presidents of all time. Today he is described as one of the five who "broke" America.
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Grateful to the University of Vienna and Austria’s Ministry for European and International Affairs for the opportunity to discuss my book, "Unfinished Empire". The attempted denial of Ukrainian nationhood lies at the heart of Russian imperialism, past and present.
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
On "Morning Ireland" I said that Mykhailo Fedorov’s call for wartime elections isn't getting traction Beyond the legal bar on elections during martial law, the logistical hurdles are insurmountable It's generally felt that a divided Ukraine only serves Russian interests www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
rte.ie
Ukraine's internal crisis amidst war with Russia
Professor of politics at the School of Law and Government at Dublin City University, Donnacha Ó Beacháin provided us with more insights.
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
As Russia escalates its missile campaign against Ukraine, Ukraine is increasingly able to strike back deep inside Russia. The war is now being felt not only on the front, but at Russian petrol stations, refineries and logistics hubs Listen back to my interview here: www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
newstalk.com
Russian missile attack kills 10 in Ukrainian village - latest updates | Newstalk
A Russian missile attack killed 10 people in a village in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region,...
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Perspectives with Neilo @pwneilo.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Listen to: @donnachadcu.bsky.social 🎙️Ukraine at War: Donnacha Ó Beacháin on Russia, Drones & Aughinish #podcast #Ukraine ▶️Links in replies👇
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
I spoke with Newstalk about how Ukraine tries to make Russian attacks harder by disrupting the systems that enable them North Korea supplies the Kremlin with missiles but Ukraine’s capacity to intercept them is limited its dwindling stocks of air defence systems www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
newstalk.com
Ukrainian drone attack on Russia kills at least six | Newstalk
The EU’s Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas has said the European Union is to significantly expand...
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Very sorry to learn of the death of Alyaksandr Milinkevich - gentleman, scholar and activist He led the democratic challenge to Lukashenka’s regime before, like so many Belarusians, going into exile This photo recalls a memorable dinner at his Hrodna home discussing his remarkable life in politics
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
While at the @macgillschool.bsky.social I sat down with @pwneilo.bsky.social I’d just returned from Ukraine and we discussed life on the ground there, Ukraine’s drone war, the Russia-China relationship, sanctions, the Aughinish alumina controversy and much more podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u...
podcasts.apple.com
Ukraine at War - Donnacha Ó Beacháin on Russia, Drones & Aughinish
Podcast Episode · Perspectives with Neilo: Because Freedom and Democracy are worth Defending · August 4 · 42m
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Zelenskyy and Trump differ greatly in age and temperament, but still have to meet regularly When I was asked during this @Newstalk interview to predict how the summit would unfold, it felt a bit like an Irish weather forecast - almost anything can happen www.newstalk.com/podcasts/cla...
newstalk.com
A look ahead to the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting and the aerial ceasefire | Newstalk
Zelenskyy is due to meet Trump today in Washington.  Ahead of this, there have been talks of an a...
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
My op-ed in today's "Irish Examiner" The report on the Russian alumina plant in Aughinish allows Irish ministers to claim they examined the issue while sidestepping the harder question of how governments should respond when the evidence is incomplete but the potential consequences are profound.
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
I've got that Mayo feeling! Maigh Eo Abú!
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
My contribution to the discussion on Ireland's neutrality and security at the @macgillschool.bsky.social is quoted in today's "Sunday Independent"
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ARINS Project @arinsproject.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
For and Against Neutrality? This evening’s panel unpack Ireland’s policy of neutrality at #MacGill2026 🗣️ @donnachadcu.bsky.social 🗣️ @ivanabacik.bsky.social 🗣️ Cathal Berry Chaired by @brigidlaffan.bsky.social @ndirishstudies.bsky.social @ria.ie @macgillschool.bsky.social
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
This is not a clean bill of health for the Russian owned alumina plant in Aughinish The Government’s inquiry was limited in scope, ran for only weeks, and had no access to Russia. As I said in this Newstalk interview, absence of evidence is not evidence of absence www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
newstalk.com
No evidence found of Aughinish exports to Russian weapons plant  | Newstalk
The Taoiseach has said that the Government's investigation into Aughinish Alumina has not found d...
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
I spoke to @euronews.com about Trump’s misunderstanding of NATO. Even the invocation of Article 5 doesn’t force members into war: a state can decide no action is needed, or that response should fall short of armed force. www.youtube.com/shorts/-qF33...
youtube.com
NATO summit: Success or missed opportunity?
YouTube video by euronews
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
I joined Claire Byrne on Newstalk to discuss the backlash to Mykhailo Fedorov’s removal, the struggle with Oleksandr Syrskyy, and the political stakes for Zelenskyy and Ukraine. Listen back here: www.newstalk.com/podcasts/cla...
newstalk.com
President Zelenskyy sacks Defence Minister | Newstalk
Thousands have been protesting in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. These protests come after Pres...
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
On RTÉ I discussed latest developments in Ukraine following my recent visit there Ukraine's battlefield advantage has been built on innovation, drone warfare and rapid reform. Many are asking why the minister most closely associated with these successes has been sidelined www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
rte.ie
Protests in Ukraine over removal of Defence Minister
Donnacha O’Beacháin, Professor of Politics at Dublin City University, analyses the latest from Ukraine following the removal of defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov from his post.
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MacGill Summer School @macgillschool.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
The Case For and Against Neutrality comes to MacGill Summer School on Thursday, July 23 at 8pm, featuring @brigidlaffan.bsky.social, @donnachadcu.bsky.social, Cathal Berry and @ivanabacik.bsky.social With @notredame.bsky.social Register now at macgillsummerschool.com
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MacGill Summer School @macgillschool.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Professor of Politics at Dublin City University, @donnachadcu.bsky.social, will join MacGill Summer School for The Case For and Against Neutrality, bringing expertise in Irish politics and foreign policy. With @notredame.bsky.social Register at macgillsummerschool.com
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
The escalating Russian war in Ukraine, deteriorating EU-US relations, instability in the Middle East, NATO summit in Ankara, and that controversial US-Belgium match! To discuss these issues, I joined Teresa Kuchler and Stefan Grobe @euronews.com podcast hosted by Méadh McMahon. Link in comments
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Along with my fellow @dublincityuni.bsky.social colleague @kenmcdonagh.bsky.social I was interviewed by "The Ukrainian Week" magazine about the potential impact of Ireland’s EU Presidency on enlargement, security policy, and Ukraine The article can be accessed here: tyzhden.ua/biudzhet-bez...
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
I spoke with David McCullagh about Crimea, which is under a state of emergency with fuel shortages and blackouts From Stalin to Putin the region has been subjected to extensive demographic engineering. Annexed to project strength, it now shows Russia's vulnerabilities. www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
rte.ie
Crimea latest
Donnacha Ó Beacháin, professor of Politics at Dublin City University and author of Unfinished Empire: Russian Imperialism in Ukraine and the Near Abroad and Siobhan O’Grady, New York Times Ukraine Cor...
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
On Claire Byrne's "Debrief" on Newstalk we discussed proposals to decriminalise drug use, regenerating Dublin's city centre and the allure of social media influencers for children. www.goloudnow.com/podcasts/the...
goloudnow.com
The Claire Byrne Show - The Debrief - GoLoud
Welcome to The Debrief, where we take a look back on the week and also a little look ahead to the weekend. This week Claire was joined by Tabitha Monahan, Politica...
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
On RTÉ's "Prime Time" I argued that Russia’s attacks on civilians are a brutal expression of frustration, driven by setbacks at the front and Ukraine’s increasingly effective strikes on the Kremlin's war machine. Link to programme segment in comments:
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Congrats to Oleg Chupryna @maynoothuniversity.ie on passing his PhD viva on the role of civil society in Ukraine’s democratisation. As external examiner, I was happy to read Dr Chupryna’s illuminating thesis, which spans the Granite, Orange and Maidan revolutions and the impact of Russia’s invasion
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
On RTÉ's Brendan O'Connor Show I reviewed the main stories of the week including those relating to Iran-US negotiations, Israel, Russia's war in Ukraine, 10 years on from the Brexit referendum and the fall of Keir Starmer. Listen back here: www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
rte.ie
Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the big stories in Sunday’s newspapers are director of stroke services, at Tallaght Hospital, Professor Rónán Collins; political correspondent with The Irish Examiner, Louis...
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Last night, Taiwan’s ambassador to the EU, Shieh Jhy-wey, told us that the Taiwanese are world leaders in microchips because they work 8 days a week. In Germany for 9 years, he joked that when others introduced themselves as Gerhard, Reinhard or Erhard he replied: “Hi, I’m Working Hard.”
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
UCC marked its membership of the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies, bringing together diplomats, researchers and local Ukrainians to celebrate the milestone and outline future plans I presented the findings of my latest book devoted to Russian imperialism in Ukraine and the wider neighbourhood
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
On Newstalk I said Zelensky’s open letter was less about persuading Putin and more about shaping global opinion Zelensky emphasises that Ukrainians fight because they must, Russia because it chooses to. Putin’s response yesterday reinforced that framing www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
newstalk.com
Zelenskyy sends open letter to Putin proposing end of Russia-Ukraine war | Newstalk
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy published an open letter to President Putin, in which he...
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Why does Aughinish export so much alumina to Russia? Ownership! It's a Russian company, part of an internal supply chain feeding Russian industry despite the invasion of Ukraine The issue isn't so much what Aughinish produces. It's where it goes There are alternatives My interview today ...
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
On RTÉ, I highlighted a striking contradiction. Ireland hosts Europe’s largest alumina refinery at Aughinish - and exports to Russia have skyrocketed since 2022. Australia banned these exports early in the war, citing their strategic importance. The EU has not followed suit. Why the divergence?
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
Established exactly a century ago today, Fianna Fáil shaped Irish politics for decades, having been in government for 65 years. I discussed the party's evolution and legacy on RTÉ’s "The History Show". Listen back here: www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
rte.ie
The History Show Sunday 10 May 2026
This week: Fianna Fáil History; and Spike Milligan's influential radio comedy series The Goon Show. Fianna Fáil Centenary On the 16th May 1926, at a public meeting in Dublin's La Scala Theatre, Fia...
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
I spoke to TRT World about Eurovision 2026. Amid boycotts over Israel’s participation, the contest faces its biggest crisis yet. The contrast with Russia's and Belarus's exclusion since 2022 has prompted accusations of double standards. Definitely not “United by Music”.
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Discussed Hungary elections with Flor MacCarthy and @shonamurray.bsky.social on Oireachtas TV Defeating Orbán is one thing, dismantling Orbánism quite another Expectations are high and Magyar’s support base is diverse, even contradictory. Managing expectations will be key to avoiding fragmentation
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The Divine Comedy @divinecomedyhq.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
WATCH NOW! The Divine Comedy at the Cirque Royal, Brussels. Link: www.arte.tv/fr/videos/13... #TheDivineComedy #CirqueRoyal #Brussels @arteconcertfr.bsky.social
Watch The Divine Comedy in concert at the Cirque Royal, Brussels at the Arte Concert website. The link is in our post.
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
I spoke to @thejournal.ie about Hungary's election, which presents a broader choice between closer integration with Europe or continued alignment with anti-EU autocrats.
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
I spoke to TRT World about the upcoming election in Hungary, a potentially pivotal moment for the country’s political trajectory. In this segment I emphasised how Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party has sought to undermine Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s brutal ongoing invasion.
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jjsalmo @jjsalmo.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
One of the best books I've read recently. Cannot recommend it enough
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Ben Tonra @bentonra.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Tremendous kudos to my @ucdpolitics.bsky.social colleague Maksym Skrypnyk - an outstanding early career scholar.
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Donnacha Ó Beacháin @donnachadcu.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Happy to participate in this super event organised by Maksym Skrypnyk @ucdpolitics.bsky.social devoted to the implications of Russia's war in Ukraine for the EU and Ireland My contribution focused on how small countries in the Baltic and Scandinavian regions have tried to protect themselves
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