Soft Power in a Hard World: Assessing Ireland's Global Ireland Strategy as a Model of Small-State Influence

Since Joseph Nye introduced the concept of soft power, a substantial body of scholarship has examined how states shape international outcomes through attraction, persuasion and reputation rather than coercion. However, this literature has focused overwhelmingly on major powers, where soft power is viewed as a complement to military and economic strength. Comparatively little attention has been paid to small states, for whom soft power may be not merely complementary but the principal means of exercising influence in international affairs.

Ireland provides a compelling case through which to address this gap. Although Ireland has long cultivated an international reputation based on diplomacy, culture, development cooperation and multilateral engagement, there has been little systematic analysis of how these assets function as instruments of soft power. This question has assumed greater importance with the introduction of the Global Ireland strategy, which seeks to expand Ireland's international footprint, strengthen its reputation, and enhance its influence through diplomacy, cultural engagement and international partnerships.

This research will examine how Ireland conceptualises, mobilises and measures soft power within the framework of Global Ireland. It will assess the extent to which the strategy represents a coherent model of small-state influence and evaluate its contribution to Ireland's foreign policy objectives in an increasingly competitive geopolitical environment. In doing so, the project aims to make both an empirical contribution to the study of Irish foreign policy and a broader theoretical contribution to the literature on soft power by demonstrating how small states leverage non-coercive forms of influence in a world increasingly shaped by hard power.

2.1 Honours Degree or equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed research area.

Self Funded (Scholarship not available. Fees & Materials to be paid by the student)

If you are interested in submitting an application for this project, please complete an Expression of Interest.

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