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# The Azure Forum

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- [Home](https://azureforum.org/) - ABOUT US The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy (CLG) is a social enterprise that aims to add to the social and economic fabric of our national and global community by way of our social impact … Read MoreAREAS OF EXPERTISE We provide and promote independent peace, security and defence research, analysis, dialogue and horizon
- [Some realities for the defence of an island behind an island](https://azureforum.org/some-realties-for-the-defence-of-an-island-behind-an-island/) - Strategic Insight 002/2023 Vice Adm (Rtd) Mark Mellett DSM 14 February 2023 Some realities for the defence of an island behind an island This commentary is based on remarks delivered by Vice Adm (Rtd) Mark Mellett DSM at an event held on 19 January 2023. Every nation has an Army, if not its own then
- [The Refresh of the British Integrated Review: European Aspects](https://azureforum.org/the-refresh-of-the-british-integrated-review-european-aspects/) - Strategic Insight 017/2023 Paddy McGuinness 15 June 2023 The Refresh of the British Integrated Review: European Aspects In March this year, the British Government published a somewhat delayed Refresh of its 2021 Integrated Review of Defence, Security, Development and Foreign Policy. How should European partners and especially Ireland usefully read this? Preparation of this Refresh
- [Will the High Seas Treaty provide the protection needed for our oceans beyond national jurisdiction in the future?](https://azureforum.org/will-the-high-seas-treaty-provide-the-protection-needed-for-our-oceans-beyond-national-jurisdiction-in-the-future/) - Strategic Insight 015/2023 Mark Mellett 1 June 2023 Will the High Seas Treaty provide the protection needed for our oceans beyond national jurisdiction in the future? Three quarters of the Earth’s surface is covered by the ocean. It consists of a hydrosphere and cryosphere that have absorbed about a quarter of human made carbon dioxide
- [Executive Staff and Governance](https://azureforum.org/topics/executive-staff-and-governance/) - The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy (CLG) has established a multi-layered governance structure to facilitate our ambitions for research independence, research excellence, transparency and accountability. This governance structure will comprise a Board of Trustees, a high-level Advisory Council, and an Advisory Board of distinguished experts.
- [Defence Policy](https://azureforum.org/defence-policy/) - The Azure Forum Strategic Insights provide regular commentary on timely national and international peace, security and defence subjects written by our own analysts or leading experts who are invited to contribute their opinion to the series.
- [Research & Analysis](https://azureforum.org/research-analysis/) - The Azure Forum Strategic Insights provide regular commentary on timely national and international peace, security and defence subjects written by our own analysts or leading experts who are invited to contribute their opinion to the series.
- [Modern Risk: Our Research Areas](https://azureforum.org/what-we-do/modern-risk-our-research-areas/) - Contemporary risks can remain unidentified, understudied or suffer from little pre-emptive and proactive operational and policy attention.
- [Events and Dialogue](https://azureforum.org/what-we-do/events-and-dialogue/) - Our subject matter experts curate high-level public and closed-door events such as conferences, roundtables, and seminars that are impactful and provide a neutral, collaborative platform to engage with national and international partners.
- [Contact Us](https://azureforum.org/become-involved/contact-us-where-to-find-us/) - Our Location 22 NORTHUMBERLAND ROAD, BALLSBRIDGE, DUBLIN 4, IRELAND, D04 ED73 CLG Registered in the Republic of Ireland, Company Number 656562 Follow us on LinkedIn The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy
- [Training/Education and Strategic Advisory Services](https://azureforum.org/what-we-do/training-education-and-strategic-advisory-services/) - Our analysts have broad experience in education. They have expertise in curating training programmes and providing strategic advice and analysis to government and commercial clients.
- [Vincent McCarthy](https://azureforum.org/vincent-mccarthy/) - Vincent McCarthy Advisory BoardNameVincent McCarthyE-mail ProfilePublicationsAncillary activitiesProfileProfile Vincent Mc Carthy is the Co-founder & CEO of The Festival of Curiosity, which is Dublin’s annual international festival of science, arts, design & technology with over 60,000 attendees each year. He is also the Assistant Director of the MacGill Summer School, Ireland’s international forum for thought leaders
- [Dublin Peace, Security and Resilience Dialogue](https://azureforum.org/dublin-peace-security-and-resilience-dialogue/) - THE DUBLIN PEACE, SECURITY & RESILIENCE DIALOGUEIn association with University of Notre DameThe ‘Dublin Peace, Security and Resilience Dialogue’ is Ireland’s premier summit for Irish and global thought leaders to gather and consider solutions for critical national and international peace, security and resilience questions facing the global community, Europe and Ireland.DATE: November 18th, 2025 THEME:
- [The Azure Forum Strategic Insights](https://azureforum.org/the-azure-forum-strategic-insights/) - The Azure Forum Strategic Insights provide regular commentary on timely national and international peace, security and defence subjects written by our own analysts or leading experts who are invited to contribute their opinion to the series.
- [Combatting Modern Slavery and Exploitation in Corporate Supply Chains ](https://azureforum.org/combatting-modern-slavery-and-exploitation-in-corporate-supply-chains/) - Strategic Insight 034/2023 Marc Stanton 14 December 2023 Combatting Modern Slavery and Exploitation in Corporate Supply Chains Nearly 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery worldwide including 19.9 million people in forced labour within private enterprises or state-run companies. Millions more people are affected by less extreme forms of workplace exploitation including an estimated
- [Alexa, Activate Cyber Resiliency](https://azureforum.org/alexa-activate-cyber-resiliency/) - Strategic Insight 033/2023 David Hickton 07 December 2023 Alexa, Activate Cyber Resiliency Regulatory efforts are underway on both sides of the Atlantic to bolster cybersecurity in the growing market of smart devices. In the EU, the Cyber Resilience Act aims to establish mandatory cybersecurity standards for all digitally enabled products and software. In the U.S.,
- [‘Follow the money’ … But how far? Tackling transnational illicit financial flows through Ireland](https://azureforum.org/follow-the-money-but-how-far-tackling-transnational-illicit-financial-flows-through-ireland/) - Strategic Insight 032/2023 Alexander Chance November 30 2023 ‘Follow the money’ … But how far? Tackling transnational illicit financial flows through Ireland In a Cabinet meeting on 7 November, the Irish government formally decided to submit its bid for Dublin to host the EU’s new Anti-Money Laundering Authority. The creation of a pan-European institution with
- [Alexander Chance](https://azureforum.org/alexander-chance/) - Alexander specialises in strategic, institutional and policy responses to the nexus between transnational organised crime, governance and corruption, in particular in post-conflict settings.
- [Mandates for extensive vulnerability reporting undermine cybersecurity](https://azureforum.org/mandates-for-extensive-vulnerability-reporting-undermine-cybersecurity/) - Strategic Insight 031/2023 Nick Ashton-Hart 23 November 2023 Mandates for extensive vulnerability reporting undermine cybersecurity The Cybersecurity Tech Accord, a coalition of more than 150 companies worldwide dedicated to improving global cybersecurity, welcomes regulatory efforts to improve cybersecurity, but has significant concerns with recent proposals for the reporting or public disclosure of unpatched vulnerabilities in
- [Casualties and Conflict: Gaza and Ukraine](https://azureforum.org/casualties-and-conflict-gaza-and-ukraine/) - Strategic Insight 030/2023 Lawrence Freedman 16 November 2023 Casualties and Conflict: Gaza and Ukraine In war violence is instrumental. It is a means to an end. This allows war a semblance of rationality as we ask how the violence can be employed to achieve the intended objectives. This rationality, however, can soon be clouded by
- [The Economic Constraints of a Geopolitical EU](https://azureforum.org/the-economic-constraints-of-a-geopolitical-eu/) - Strategic Insight 029/2023 Eoin Drea 09 November 2023 The Economic Constraints of a Geopolitical EU The geopolitical aspirations of the EU are constrained by a series of internal economic divisions. These disagreements continue to prevent the EU from reaching the political unity required to project a coherent, consistent and meaningful voice on global affairs. It
- [The AI Safety Summit and Security: Governance is Vital but Coherence will be Hard to Find](https://azureforum.org/the-ai-safety-summit-and-security-governance-is-vital-but-coherence-will-be-hard-to-find/) - Strategic Insight 028/2023 Patrick Hinton 31 October 2023 The AI Safety Summit and Security: Governance is Vital but Coherence will be Hard to Find Britain’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Summit is due to take place between 1-2 November 2023 at Bletchley Park. The Summit was announced back in June by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and
- [Contestation and Confusion: Irish Consultative Forum on International Security Findings  ](https://azureforum.org/contestation-and-confusion-irish-consultative-forum-on-international-security-findings/) - Strategic Insight 027/2023 Ben Tonra 25 October 2023 Contestation and Confusion: Irish Consultative Forum on International Security Findings In her report on the Irish government’s Consultative Forum on International Security Policy , the chair, Professor Dame Louise Richardson, has succeeded in crystalising the confusion and contestation surrounding Irish foreign policy in the area of international
- [Ian O'Connor](https://azureforum.org/oconnor/) - Ian O’ConnorJunior Research FellowNameIan O’ConnorE-mailinfo@azureforum.org ProfilePublicationsAncillary activitiesProfileProfile Ian O’Connor recently completed an MA in Peace & Security Studies (Excellent) at the University of Hamburg. He held the inaugural Azure Forum student fellowship for the year 2021-2022. His research interests include strategy, non-proliferation and arms control. PublicationsAncillary activities
- [The new Czech national security strategy: A wake-up call in a tumultuous world](https://azureforum.org/the-new-czech-national-security-strategy-a-wake-up-call-in-a-tumultuous-world/) - Strategic Insight 026/2023 Katarina Hynkova 28 September 2023 The new Czech national security strategy: A wake-up call in a tumultuous world At the end of June 2023, the Czech government approved a new National Security Strategy. A couple of years ago, a similar text would cause diplomatic and media uproar. Yet, there has been no
- [Preventing violent extremism in the Western Balkans and MENA region urgently needs a new approach](https://azureforum.org/preventing-violent-extremism-in-the-western-balkans-and-mena-region-urgently-needs-a-new-approach/) - Strategic Insight 025/2023 Maja Halilovic Pastuovic 21 September 2023 Preventing violent extremism in the Western Balkans and MENA region urgently needs a new approach The concept of countering violent extremism was introduced in Europe in response to Madrid (2004) and London (2005) bomb attacks and fears of homegrown terrorism. Since then, a new field of Strategic Insight 025/2023 Maja Halilovic Pastuovic 21 September 2023 Preventing violent extremism in the Western Balkans and MENA region urgently needs a new approach The concept of countering violent extremism was introduced in Europe in response to Madrid (2004) and London (2005) bomb attacks and fears of homegrown terrorism. Since then, a new field of
- [Latest News](https://azureforum.org/latest-activities/in-the-news/) - Caitríona Heinl moderated a panel discussion on traditional and digital supply chains at CyFy 2020 in October - the annual cyber and digital conference organised by the New-Delhi based think-tank, the Observer Research Foundation.
- [The 2023 Bucharest Summit: Stepping up the security dimension of the Three Seas Initiative in the context of the war in Ukraine](https://azureforum.org/the-2023-bucharest-summit-stepping-up-the-security-dimension-of-the-three-seas-initiative-in-the-context-of-the-war-in-ukraine/) - Strategic Insight 024/2023 Dr. Laurențiu-Mihai Ștefan 31 August 2023 The 2023 Bucharest Summit: Stepping up the security dimension of the Three Seas Initiative in the context of the war in Ukraine Few people recall a meeting of four presidents and other high-level officials from twelve states from Central and Eastern Europe (namely Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia,
- [Newsletter](https://azureforum.org/newslettersubscribe/) - Subscribe to the Newsletter * indicates required Email Address * First Name * Last Name * Organisation * Marketing Permissions Please select all the ways you would like to hear from : Email Direct Mail Customized Online Advertising You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For
- [Building an Irish Intelligence Service](https://azureforum.org/building-an-irish-intelligence-service/) - Strategic Insight 023/2023 David-Strachan-Morris 03 August 2023 The Irish government’s public Consultation on International Security Policy is a useful and wide-ranging discussion on Ireland’s approach to peace and stability around the world. This level of policymaking will involve difficult and complex decisions on an ongoing basis, but there appears to be no discussion about an
- [Membership and Support](https://azureforum.org/become-involved/individual-membership/) - We offer our individual and corporate members networking opportunities and cutting edge insights on the latest geostrategic trends.
- [Re-examining Sino-Russia Relations in the Shadow of the Ukraine War](https://azureforum.org/re-examining-sino-russia-relations-in-the-shadow-of-the-ukraine-war/) - Strategic Insight 022/2023 James Char 27 July 2023 Re-examining Sino-Russia Relations in the Shadow of the Ukraine War Whilst China has neither called out nor condemned Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s so-called ‘special military operations’ against Ukraine, it would be inaccurate to assert that Beijing has disavowed Kyiv’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Notwithstanding how Beijing
- [Analysts](https://azureforum.org/topics/analysts/) - Our Analysts A-Z Our network is growing. More information to follow. Our team contributes to research, publications, events and consultancy on topics related to peace and security policy, with a particular focus on the Irish/small state context. The team publishes articles in journals and edited volumes, sometimes representing The Azure Forum at international meetings and
- [Gareth Price](https://azureforum.org/gareth-price/) - Lt. Col. Gareth Prendergast is currently the Chief Finance Officer of the Irish Defence Forces. He served as an Instructor in the Irish Command and Staff School from July 2011 to September 2015, instructing on Campaign Planning, Counterinsurgency and Information Operations.
- [The Return of Latin America’s Military Problem](https://azureforum.org/the-return-of-latin-americas-military-problem/) - Strategic Insight 021/2023 Gabriel Cohen 20 July 2023 The Return of Latin America’s Military Problem The storming of Brazil’s government buildings on the 8th of January evoked more than simply international backlash and parallels to the United States. For many within the government and elsewhere, the incident in which rioters sought to call on the
- [Belarusian nuclear forces? Assessing the potential impact on NATO nuclear sharing](https://azureforum.org/belarussian-nuclear-forces-assessing-the-potential-impact-on-nato-nuclear-sharing/) - Strategic Insight 020/2023 Ian O’Connor 13 July 2023 Belarussian nuclear forces? Assessing the potential impact on NATO nuclear sharing On 26 March 2023, President Vladimir Putin first announced concrete plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Under initial objectives, efforts to build a weapons storage facility and fully transfer warheads to the country should
- [Strengthening the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Cooperation between South Korea and Europe](https://azureforum.org/strengthening-the-indo-pacific-maritime-security-cooperation-between-south-korea-and-europe/) - Strategic Insight 019/2023 Jihoon Yu 06 July 2023 Strengthening the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Cooperation between South Korea and Europe As the Indo-Pacific region gains increasing importance in the global economy, there is a growing recognition of the significance of its maritime security environment, which directly impacts the stability of global supply chains. Serving as a
- [Disruptive Technologies in Security and Defence: Preparing for 'Known Unknowns' ](https://azureforum.org/disruptive-technologies-in-security-and-defence-preparing-for-known-unknowns/) - Strategic Insight 018/2023 Caitríona Heinl 29 June 2023 Disruptive Technologies in Security and Defence: Preparing for ‘Known Unknowns’ When it comes to ‘emerging and disruptive technologies’ (EDTs) in security and defence, we can be assured of one certainty, and that is the persistence of an uncomfortably high level of policy and technological uncertainty for the
- [Between a rock and a hard place: Central Asia's economic and security dilemmas after Russia's invasion of Ukraine](https://azureforum.org/between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place-central-asias-economic-and-security-dilemmas-after-russias-invasion-of-ukraine/) - Strategic Insight 016/2023 Mariya Y. Omelicheva 8 June 2023 Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Walking a tightrope between irritating Moscow and upsetting the Western capitals, Central Asian governments have tried to find a new balance in their relations with Russia. Russia’s war in Ukraine has created serous dilemmas for the leaders of Central Asia, a region
- [Past events](https://azureforum.org/what-we-do/events-and-dialogue/past-events/) - Malicious cyber-enabled state activity in the healthcare sector: State espionage, cyber attacks, and international law responses, 30 September 2020
- [US-based indictments against nation-state affiliated hackers](https://azureforum.org/us-based-indictments-against-nation-state-affiliated-hackers/) - US-based indictments against nation-state affiliated hackers 24 May 2023 The Azure Forum hosted an informal briefing and group discussion on “US-based indictments against nation-state affiliated hackers” on Wednesday 24 May 2023. David Hickton, the first prosecutor to use an indictment to target nation-state hackers, provided an overview and first-hand account of significant US-based indictments against nation-state affiliated
- [Ethiopia’s peace deal: Prospects for the post-conflict transition after the cessation of hostilities](https://azureforum.org/ethiopias-peace-deal-prospects-for-the-post-conflict-transition-after-the-cessation-of-hostilities/) - Strategic Insight 014/2023 Faith Mabera 25 May 2023 Ethiopia’s peace deal: Prospects for the post-conflict transition after the cessation of hostilities Late last year on 02 November, Ethiopia’s federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) agreed to the cessation of hostilities after two years of deadly civil war. The agreement was warmly welcomed
- [Upping the ante on EU cyber defence: What should we expect from our capitals? ](https://azureforum.org/upping-the-ante-on-eu-cyber-defence-what-should-we-expect-from-our-capitals/) - Strategic Insight 013/2023 Caitríona Heinl 18 May 2023 Upping the ante on EU cyber defence: What should we expect from our capitals? The obvious importance of cyber defence – often the poor cousin of all things cyber – is becoming clearer and more entrenched, with growing high-level EU ambitions. The recent release of the EU cyber
- [Upcoming events](https://azureforum.org/what-we-do/events-and-dialogue/upcoming-events/) - Additional information to follow shortly on the November 2020 and 2021 Agenda: Watch this space!
- [Ireland's place in the global cocaine trade and implications for public security](https://azureforum.org/irelands-place-in-the-global-cocaine-trade-and-implications-for-public-security/) - Strategic Insight 012/2023 Alexander Chance 11 May 2023 Ireland’s place in the global cocaine trade and implications for public security The UN’s first ever Global Cocaine Report, published in March by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), identifies various trends in the international trade in cocaine, including increased rates of production, changes
- [Russian military debates AI development and use](https://azureforum.org/russian-military-debates-ai-development-and-use/) - Strategic Insight 011/2023 Samuel Bendett 04 May 2023 Russian military debates AI development and use Over the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) moved front and center in the Russian military’s thinking about new concepts and technologies for current and future wars. Following the Ukraine invasion, and the imposition of IT and high-tech sanctions on the
- [Advisory Council](https://azureforum.org/topics/executive-staff-and-governance/the-advisory-council/) - Advisory Council Paddy McGuinnessView More Mark MellettView More
- [CHAIRPERSON – VICE ADMIRAL MARK MELLETT RTD](https://azureforum.org/topics-executive-staff-and-governance-executive-staff-chairperson/) - Ben Tonra is Full Professor and Head of International Relations at the UCD School of Politics and International Relations.
- [Election Threats - Past, Present & Future](https://azureforum.org/election-threats-past-present-future/) - Election Threats – Past, Present & Future 19 April 2022 In partnership with the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Cyber Law, Policy & Security and Institute of Politics, the Azure Forum supported an online discussion on the subject of “Election Threats – Past, Present & Future” on Wednesday 19 April 2023. The discussion analysed the
- [Newsletters](https://azureforum.org/latest-activities/newsletters/) - Newsletters The Azure Forum Newsletter April-June 2022Read more The Azure Forum Newsletter January-March 2022Read more
- [A primer on the first ever European Space Strategy for Security and Defence](https://azureforum.org/a-primer-on-the-first-ever-european-space-strategy-for-security-and-defence/) - Strategic Insight 010/2023 Peter O’Halloran 27 April 2023 A primer on the first ever European Space Strategy for Security and Defence In 2016, the EU Space Strategy outlined the contested and competitive nature of Space as a domain. It also outlined how Europe was becoming more and more dependent on the services and systems of
- [Disrupting ransomware](https://azureforum.org/disrupting-ransomware/) - Strategic Insight 009/2023 David J.Hickton 20 April 2023 Disrupting ransomware Governments around the world are making significant progress in disrupting and deterring cyber criminals from launching ransomware schemes, but far more is needed to properly address this evolving problem. It’s been nearly a decade since the United States Department of Justice indicted notorious Russian cyber criminal Evgeniy
- [We must treat cyber wars the same as we treat conventional military encounters](https://azureforum.org/we-must-treat-cyber-wars-the-same-as-we-treat-conventional-military-encounters/) - Strategic Insight 004/2023 David J.Hickton 09 March 2023 We must treat cyber wars the same as we treat conventional military encounters Pictures and videos emanating from Ukraine show the widespread destruction wrought by Russian troops during a year-long war that continuously generates news coverage. But there is another side to this conflict that is lesser
- [Divergent approaches to trafficking for sexual exploitation: Australia and Ireland](https://azureforum.org/divergent-approaches-to-trafficking-for-sexual-exploitation-australia-and-ireland/) - Strategic Insight 008/2023 Meagan Tyler and Ruth Breslin 13 April 2023 Divergent approaches to trafficking for sexual exploitation: Australia and Ireland Human trafficking is an issue of international concern and a widespread human rights abuse. Sexual exploitation remains one of the primary purposes of trafficking, with women and girls overwhelmingly overrepresented. In the most recent
- [Reflections on elected UN Security Council members’ impact](https://azureforum.org/reflections-on-elected-un-security-council-members-impact/) - Strategic Insight 007/2023 30 March 2023 Elected UN Security Council members increase their impact: Continuity through coordination Fabien Merz Much ink has been spilled on the asymmetric nature of the relation between the permanent (P5 for permanent five) and the elected, non-permanent UN Security Council Members (E10 for elected ten). Critics argue that the Council
- [Governance of Disruptive Technologies for International Peace and Security: Maturing Yet Nascent Military AI-cyber Policy Has Far to Go](https://azureforum.org/governance-of-disruptive-technologies-for-international-peace-and-security-maturing-yet-nascent-military-ai-cyber-policy-has-far-to-go/) - Strategic Insight 006/2023 Caitríona Heinl 23 March 2023 Synopsis Opportunities and risks relating to emerging technologies are still uncertain. Both national and international policies for ensuring international peace and security have extensive journeys ahead, especially for application of AI to the development of unique cyber weapons. Abstract: There is not yet a comprehensive understanding of
- [Countering the Irish far-right: A transnational threat requiring international coordination ](https://azureforum.org/countering-the-irish-far-right-a-transnational-threat-requiring-international-coordination/) - Strategic Insight 005/2023 Joshua Farrell-Molloy 16 March 2023 Countering the Irish far-right: A transnational threat requiring international coordination The rise of far-right extremism is a global phenomenon, and Ireland is no exception. While the far-right was historically underdeveloped in Ireland, the ability of a network of far-right agitators to rapidly mobilise and insert themselves into
- [David J.Hickton](https://azureforum.org/david-j-hickton/) - Ben Tonra is Full Professor and Head of International Relations at the UCD School of Politics and International Relations.
- [Latest Activities](https://azureforum.org/latest-activities/) - Latest Activities LATEST ANALYSIS, RESEARCH & COMMENTARYVIEW MORE PODCASTSVIEW MORE NEWSLETTERSVIEW MORE EVENTSVIEW MORE LATEST NEWSVIEW MORE
- [U.S.-China friction and the competition for global climate leadership](https://azureforum.org/u-s-china-friction-and-the-competition-for-global-climate-leadership/) - Strategic Insight 003/2023 Jackson Ewing 28 February 2023 U.S.-China friction and the competition for global climate leadership U.S.-China relations are at their lowest point since the Taiwan Strait crisis of the mid-1990s. The recent balloon spying kerfuffle deflated cautious ambitions for thawing relations. As Washington singles out Chinese leaders over the need for a “rules-based
- [ASEAN Chairmanship is a Different Animal than the G20 Presidency: Will Indonesia Seize Its Time in the Limelight?](https://azureforum.org/asean-chairmanship-is-a-different-animal-than-the-g20-presidency-will-indonesia-seize-its-time-in-the-limelight/) - Strategic Insight 001/2023 Muhammad Waffaa Kharisma 26 January 2023 The Verdict on Indonesia’s G20 Presidency Indonesia’s G20 presidency will undoubtedly come down as President Joko Widodo’s hallmark foreign policy achievement in office. Many around the world prophesized for the worst towards the future of the G20 following the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A
- [Strategic Insights Editorial Team](https://azureforum.org/strategic-insights-editorial-team/) - Strategic Insights Editorial Team Editors in Chief Dr Alistair D. B. Cook is Coordinator of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Programme and Senior Fellow at the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre), S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. His research interests focus geographically on the Asia-Pacific
- [‘Are Ireland's Views on Neutrality and NATO Changing?’](https://azureforum.org/are-irelands-views-on-neutrality-and-nato-changing/) - ‘Are Ireland’s Views on Neutrality and NATO Changing? | Azure Forum ‘Irish Security Debates’ 3 November 2022 On 3 November 2022, the Azure Forum hosted a topical open discussion on ‘Are Ireland’s Views on Neutrality and NATO Changing?’ as part of the Forum’s ‘Irish Security Debates’ series. The series aims to provide a broader, open platform for
- [The 2022 US National Security Strategy: An Indian Perspective](https://azureforum.org/the-2022-us-national-security-strategy-an-indian-perspective/) - Strategic Insight 006/2022 Sarabjeet S Parmar 30 November 2022 Trust forms the basis of any meaningful relationship, and the degree of trust will dictate the strength of a relationship. Since India’s independence in 1947 until the end of the cold war, India-US relations were severely impacted by the prejudices and personal relations between Indian and
- [Assessing China’s Nuclear Trajectory: Assured Retaliation or Nuclear Warfighting?](https://azureforum.org/assessing-chinas-nuclear-trajectory-assured-retaliation-or-nuclear-warfighting/) - Strategic Insight 005/2022 Ian O’ Connor 09 November 2022 Synopsis China’s modernisation of its military force including its nuclear capabilities raises questions over whether this will be coupled with a change in its nuclear defence posture. Despite these concerns, a doctrinal shift away from assured retaliation remains unlikely for the foreseeable future. Introduction China’s nuclear
- [EU CSDP MISSION REFORM AND IRELAND'S CONTRIBUTION](https://azureforum.org/eu-csdp-mission-reform-and-irelands-contribution/) - Strategic Insight 007/2021 Aonghus Kelly 28 June 2021 Summary The EU wants to become a heavyweight in international diplomacy. However, it has important reform to attend to in its CSDP network. Ireland must be forcefully involved in those reforms. Commentary The European Union was set up not as some dry anodyne ‘project’ but as a
- [Deterring Ransomware Attacks: Treat ransomware as criminality](https://azureforum.org/deterring-ransomware-attacks-as-an-international-security-priority-treat-ransomware-as-criminality/) - Strategic Insight 001/2022 Paddy McGuiness 16 February 2022 Summary A seminar at the Azure Forum on “Deterring ransomware attacks as an international security priority” in September 2021 prompted the following four recommendations for actions by Nation States which draw on my current work advising listed companies on their cyber resilience and past experience as UK
- [Maturing national responses to hybrid influencing and cyber threats: A primer on Finland’s approach](https://azureforum.org/maturing-national-responses-to-hybrid-influencing-and-cyber-threats-a-primer-on-finlands-approach/) - Strategic Insight 002/2022 Jarmo Sareva and Liisa Talonpoika 02 March 2022 Summary The current geopolitical situation has highlighted the need for a comprehensive response to both cyber and hybrid threats. Finland’s model of comprehensive security also supports our overall resilience against these threats. The goal is to protect all of society’s vital functions through a
- [21st Century Statecraft and Contemporary Instruments of National Power](https://azureforum.org/21st-century-statecraft-and-contemporary-instruments-of-national-power/) - Strategic Insight 004/2022 Lydia Kostopoulos 03 November 2022 Synopsis The global state of political, economic, technological and social affairs has been experiencing an accelerated period of dynamic change since the turn of the 21st Century. These changes are impacting the manner in which statecraft is conducted and influencing how and what is employable as an
- [The Second Ukraine War: Learning Lessons from an Ongoing Conflict](https://azureforum.org/the-second-ukraine-war-learning-lessons-from-an-ongoing-conflict-strategic-insight/) - Strategic Insight 003/2022 Dr. Timothy D. Hoyt 28 October 2022 The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of the U.S. Naval War College, the U.S. Navy, or any other U.S. government organisation. Introduction Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine in February 2022
- [Submission Guidelines](https://azureforum.org/what-we-do/submission-guidelines/) - Submission Guidelines The Azure Forum Strategic Insights provide regular applied policy commentary on timely national and international peace and security issues written by our own analysts or leading experts from the public and private sector. The series aims to focus on issues relevant to Ireland, small states and the international community to navigate an interconnected
- [The Second Ukraine War: Learning Lessons from an Ongoing Conflict](https://azureforum.org/the-second-ukraine-war-learning-lessons-from-an-ongoing-conflict/) - The Second Ukraine War: Learning Lessons from an Ongoing Conflict 28 September 2022 On 28 September 2022, the Azure Forum hosted an informal fireside briefing and discussion on: ‘The Second Ukraine War: Learning Lessons from an Ongoing Conflict’. Professor Timothy D. Hoyt provided an initial briefing followed by a discussion moderated by Adjunct Senior Fellow
- [Hypersonic Weapons, Deterrence and Strategic Stability](https://azureforum.org/hypersonic-weapons-deterrence-and-strategic-stability/) - Hypersonic Weapons, Deterrence and Strategic Stability 7 September 2022 On 7 September 2022, the Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy hosted a lunchtime briefing and discussion on: ‘Hypersonic Weapons, Deterrence and Strategic Stability’. The discussion, one of the first of its kind on this topic held in Ireland, invited experts to discuss modern warfare and
- [The National Army and the counter-insurgency campaign in Cork, 1922-23 | Phd Thesis | Forthcoming](https://azureforum.org/the-national-army-and-the-counter-insurgency-campaign-in-cork-1922-23-phd-thesis-forthcoming/) - The National Army and the counter-insurgency campaign in Cork, 1922-23 | PhD Thesis | Forthcoming 27 September 2022 Gareth Prendergast, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the Azure Forum recently passed (with minor edits) his Phd Viva Voce in the UCC History Department. The subject of his research was Counterinsurgency and the Irish Civil War. Gareth hopes to
- [Research & Analysis](https://azureforum.org/research-and-analysis/) - VIEW ALL AZURE FORUM STRATEGIC INSIGHTS Latest Publications Clear Hold Rebuild: The National Army counterinsurgency campaign in Cork during the Irish Civil War, Phd Thesis, University College Cork | Gareth Prendergast, Forthcoming 2022 Phd Thesis Azure Forum Adjunct Senior Fellow Gareth Prendergast recently submitted his PhD research thesis on counterinsurgency in Cork during the Irish Civil
- [Past Events](https://azureforum.org/past-events/) - Azure Forum Security Dialogues Azure Forum Covid & Security Series Latest Events Strategic Stability Hypersonic Weapons, Deterrence and Strategic Stability 07 September 2022 On 7 September 2022, the Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy hosted a lunchtime briefing and discussion on: ‘Hypersonic Weapons, Deterrence and Strategic Stability’ Read more… Neutrality ‘In these turbulent
- [Azure Forum Strategic Insights](https://azureforum.org/the-azure-forum-strategic-insights-2/) - AZURE FORUM STRATEGIC INSIGHTS The Azure Forum Strategic Insights provide regular applied policy commentary on timely national and international peace and security issues written by our own analysts or leading experts from the public and private sector. The series aims to focus on issues relevant to Ireland, small states and the international community to navigate
- [Clear Hold Rebuild: The National Army Counterinsurgency Campaign in Cork during the Irish Civil War, PhD Thesis, University College Cork | Gareth Prendergast, Forthcoming 2022](https://azureforum.org/clear-hold-rebuild-the-national-army-counterinsurgency-campaign-in-cork-during-the-irish-civil-war-phd-thesis-university-college-cork-gareth-prendergast-forthcoming-2022/) - Clear Hold Rebuild: The National Army Counterinsurgency Campaign in Cork during the Irish Civil War, PhD Thesis, University College Cork | Gareth Prendergast, Forthcoming 2022 17 July 2022 Azure Forum Adjunct Senior Fellow Gareth Prendergast recently submitted his PhD research thesis on counterinsurgency in Cork during the Irish Civil War. His research analyses the counterinsurgency strategy
- [Joint Azure Forum-Belgian Embassy Seminar on "EU-NATO Collaboration on hybrid threats, emerging technologies and cyber: What has been achieved so far and what lies ahead?"](https://azureforum.org/joint-azure-forum-belgian-embassy-seminar-on-eu-nato-collaboration-on-hybrid-threats-emerging-technologies-and-cyber/) - Joint Azure Forum-Belgian Embassy Seminar on “EU-NATO Collaboration on hybrid threats, emerging technologies and cyber: What has been achieved so far and what lies ahead?” 23 July 2022 On 23 June 2022, the Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in Ireland co-hosted a high-level seminar on ‘EU-NATO
- [Public Engagement, Outreach & Awareness-raising](https://azureforum.org/what-we-do/national-and-subject-matter-awareness-raising/) - Conversations surrounding ‘security' in Ireland often focus upon conventional conflict, peacekeeping, Ireland’s status as a neutral or non-aligned nation and NATO....
- ['In these turbulent times is neutrality an option anymore?’](https://azureforum.org/in-these-turbulent-times-is-neutrality-an-option-anymore/) - ‘In these turbulent times is neutrality an option anymore?’ 23rd July 2022 On 23 July 2022, the Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy and the MacGill Summer School, co-hosted a security panel discussion on: ‘In these turbulent times is neutrality an option anymore?’, as part of The MacGill Summer School 2022. The session was part of the Azure
- [The EU, Irish Defence Forces, and Contemporary Security](https://azureforum.org/the-eu-irish-defence-forces-and-contemporary-security/) - The EU, Irish Defence Forces, and Contemporary Security. Jonathan Carroll, Mark Williams & Matthew O’Neill (Eds.), “The EU, Irish Defence Forces, and Contemporary Security”, Palgrave Macmillan, forthcoming 2022. The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy Research Fellows Matthew O’Neill and Mark Williams, alongside Jonathan Carroll, are co-editors of a forthcoming Palgrave Macmillan edited volume on
- [Giovanni Parente](https://azureforum.org/giovanni-parente/) - Ben Tonra is Full Professor and Head of International Relations at the UCD School of Politics and International Relations.
- [Tending the tech-ecosystem: who should be the tech-regulator(s)?](https://azureforum.org/tending-the-tech-ecosystem-who-should-be-the-tech-regulators/) - Tending the tech-ecosystem: who should be the tech-regulator(s)? Matthew G. O’Neill, Mark Williams and Caitríona Heinl, “Republic of Ireland”, Chapter in ‘Tending the tech-ecosystem: who should be the tech-regulator(s)?’, Policy report, Eds. Johanna Weaver and Sarah O’Connor, Tech Policy Design Centre, Australian National University, May 2022. Research Fellows Matthew O’Neill and Mark Williams, alongside Executive Director, Caitríona Heinl,
- [Ruth Casey](https://azureforum.org/ruth-casey/) - Ruth Casey is an experienced lecturer and researcher in Communications and EU policy in the College of Business in TU Dublin, with particular interest in international relations, foreign policy, strategy & governance and the internationalisation of the curriculum.
- [‘Consequences for nuclear arms control in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war: Is there a long term risk of renewed nuclear weapons proliferation?’](https://azureforum.org/consequences-for-nuclear-arms-control-in-the-wake-of-the-russia-ukraine-war-is-there-a-long-term-risk-of-renewed-nuclear-weapons-proliferation/) - ‘Consequences for nuclear arms control in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war: Is there a long term risk of renewed nuclear weapons proliferation?’ 25 May 2022 On 25 May 2022, expert discussants John Bassett, University of Bristol and Dr. Tytti Erästö, Senior Researcher, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) examined the long term prospects for
- [Changing State Behaviour: Can International Law Deter Further Aggression in Ukraine?](https://azureforum.org/changing-state-behaviour-can-international-law-deter-further-aggression-in-ukraine/) - Changing State Behaviour: Can International Law Deter Further Aggression in Ukraine? 31 March 2022 This roundtable was hosted in partnership with the Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI) and moderated by Aonghus Kelly, Executive Director of IRLI in order to examine the intersection of security and rule of law questions. Expert discussants including Dr. Ray Murphy, Professor
- [Joint ESIWA-ORF Roundtable, Enhancing Global Cybersecurity Cooperation, Raisina Dialogue, New Delhi](https://azureforum.org/joint-esiwa-orf-roundtable-enhancing-global-cybersecurity-cooperation-raisina-dialogue-new-delhi/) - Joint ESIWA-ORF Roundtable, Enhancing Global Cybersecurity Cooperation, Raisina Dialogue, New Delhi 27 April 2022 The Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia (ESIWA) project together with the hosted a closed-door Track 1.5 Dialogue between the EU and India at the Raisina Dialogue in April . Participants exchanged information and discussed the respective EU and Indian positions on key global cybersecurity
- [World Order And The Ukraine Crisis: India’s Position And Future Relationship With Russia?](https://azureforum.org/world-order-and-the-ukraine-crisis-indias-position-and-future-relationship-with-russia/) - World Order And The Ukraine Crisis: India’s Position And Future Relationship With Russia? 28 April 2022 Expert discussant Professor Harsh V. Pant examined India’s position on the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine. Professor Pant and other roundtable experts also discussed India’s current and likely future relationship with Russia, including its defence partnership. Discussions focused on
- [Sharon McManus](https://azureforum.org/sharon-mcmanus/) - Sharon McManus is Project Lead for Research Technology & Innovation Feasibility at the Irish Defence Forces. She joined the army as a cadet in 1996 and has worked in Defence since then.
- [Report Launch: 'Exploring Serious and Organised Crime across Ireland and the UK: Towards a Shared Understanding of a Shared Threat'](https://azureforum.org/report-launch-exploring-serious-and-organised-crime-across-ireland-and-the-uk-towards-a-shared-understanding-of-a-shared-threat/) - Report Launch: ‘Exploring Serious and Organised Crime across Ireland and the UK: Towards a Shared Understanding of a Shared Threat’ 30 March 2022 The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy, with the support of the British Embassy Dublin, launched a new report: “Exploring Serious and Organised Crime across Ireland and the UK: Towards a Shared
- [Our core values and funding](https://azureforum.org/topics/our-core-values/) - We pursue and promote future-focused and solutions-oriented strategic research, analysis and dialogue on contemporary peace, security and defence research, policy and practice.
- [Paddy McGuinness](https://azureforum.org/paddy-mcguinness/) - Ben Tonra is Full Professor and Head of International Relations at the UCD School of Politics and International Relations.
- [Exploring Serious and Organised Crime across Ireland and the UK: Towards a Shared Understanding of a Shared Threat](https://azureforum.org/exploring-serious-and-organised-crime-across-ireland-and-the-uk-towards-a-shared-understanding-of-a-shared-threat/) - Alexander Chance, “Exploring Serious and Organised Crime across Ireland and the UK: Towards a Shared Understanding of a Shared Threat”, The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy, March 2022. The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy, with the support of the British Embassy Dublin, has published a new report on Serious and Organised Crime across
- [The Ukraine-Russia Crisis: Regional and Global Implications?](https://azureforum.org/the-ukraine-russia-crisis-regional-and-global-implications/) - The Ukraine-Russia Crisis: Regional and Global Implications? 25 February 2022 Key Discussants Dr Bettina Renz is Professor of International Security at the School of Politics & International Relations at the University of Nottingham. She obtained her MA and MSc in Russian Studies at the University of Edinburgh and completed her PhD at the Centre for
- [Joint High Level Azure Forum-Finnish Embassy Roundtable on “Cyber, Hybrid and Intelligence: Lessons from the Finnish Experience”](https://azureforum.org/joint-high-level-azure-forum-finnish-embassy-roundtable-on-cyber-hybrid-and-intelligence-lessons-from-the-finnish-experience/) - Joint High Level Azure Forum-Finnish Embassy Roundtable on “Cyber, Hybrid and Intelligence: Lessons from the Finnish Experience” 24 February 2021 The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy and the Finnish Embassy co-hosted a high-level expert roundtable on cyber, hybrid and intelligence with Finnish Cyber Ambassador Jarmo Sareva, Hybrid Ambassador Liisa Talonpoika and Ambassador Raili Lahnalampi.
- [Mark Williams](https://azureforum.org/mark-williams/) - Ben Tonra is Full Professor and Head of International Relations at the UCD School of Politics and International Relations.
- [Ben Tonra](https://azureforum.org/ben-tonra/) - Ben Tonra is Full Professor and Head of International Relations at the UCD School of Politics and International Relations.
- [Matthew G O' Neill](https://azureforum.org/matthew-g-o-neill/) - Matthew G. O’ NeillResearch FellowNameMatthew G. O’ NeillE-mailinfo@azureforum.org ProfilePublicationsAncillary activitiesProfileProfile Matthew G O’ Neill Matthew G O’Neill is a Leverhulme Interdisciplinary Network on Cybersecurity and Society (LINCS) postgraduate research student in Political Science at the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice at Queen’s University Belfast. His research explores the European
- [David Donoghue](https://azureforum.org/david-donoghue/) - Born in Dublin in 1952, David Donoghue had a long and varied career in Ireland's diplomatic service. He was involved for many years in the Northern Ireland peace process.
- [Edward Burke](https://azureforum.org/edward-burke/) - Dr Edward Burke is an Assistant Professor in International Relations and Director of the Centre for Conflict, Security and Terrorism at the University of Nottingham specialising in insurgency, terrorism and political violence.
- [Advisory Board](https://azureforum.org/topics/executive-staff-and-governance/the-advisory-board/) - Advisory Board Brian KirkpatrickView More Michael MurphyView More Pat O’ConnorView More Ruth CaseyView More Vincent McCarthyView More More information to follow in due course. In the meantime, please contact info@azureforum.org for further information.
- [Malicious cyber activity in the COVID-19 era](https://azureforum.org/malicious-cyber-activity-in-the-covid-19-era/) - Steve Honiss | 3 February 2021 Summary Information security specialist Steve Honiss explores the spike in state-sponsored cyberattacks linked to COVID-19. This article was originally published in the New Zealand Security Magazine in December 2020. Strategic Insight It is fair to say that aside from the health impact of COVID-19 alone, the wider impact of the
- [Ireland's Research & Innovation Opportunities in the European Defence Fund](https://azureforum.org/irelands-research-innovation-opportunities-in-the-european-defence-fund/) - The Azure Forum launched a series of webinars in June 2020 to understand the peace and security implications of Covid-19.
- [Taking Stock of Ireland's Defence Industry](https://azureforum.org/taking-stock-of-irelands-defence-industry/) - Taking Stock of Ireland’s Defence Industry Neil Dee, “Taking Stock of Ireland’s Defence Industry”, The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy, February 2022. The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy was commissioned by the Irish Defence and Security Association (IDSA) to produce an independent report on the Irish defence industry. The report, the first of
- [Commission on the Defence Forces](https://azureforum.org/commission-on-the-defence-forces/) - Commission on the Defence Forces Report Caitríona Heinl was appointed as a member of the Irish government’s Commission on the Defence Forces which began its work on 15 December 2020. Over a period of 13 months, the Commission focused its work on considering the appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing of both the Permanent Defence Force
- [The Azure Forum Security Dialogues](https://azureforum.org/the-azure-forum-security-dialogues/) - The Azure Forum Security Dialogues The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy monthly Security Dialogues aim to provide actionable and timely insights for policymakers and the research community to optimise national and international responses in the near to medium term by providing improved strategic choices that help our nations to prepare for future eventualities. These
- [Peace, security and defence during and beyond the Covid-19 Crisis: Lessons for future global crises](https://azureforum.org/peace-security-and-defence-during-and-beyond-the-covid-19-crisis-lessons-for-future-global-crises/) - The Azure Forum launched a series of webinars in June 2020 to understand the peace and security implications of Covid-19.
- [Latest Security Dialogues](https://azureforum.org/latest-activities/latest-security-dialogues/) - Caitríona Heinl moderated a panel discussion on traditional and digital supply chains at CyFy 2020 in October - the annual cyber and digital conference organised by the New-Delhi based think-tank, the Observer Research Foundation.
- [The Azure Forum Security Dialogues: Global Security Risks in 2021](https://azureforum.org/the-azure-forum-security-dialogues-global-security-risks-in-2021/) - Global Security Risks in 2021: What to expect in the year ahead? December 7 2021 Our final roundtable of 2021 invited participants to review the year by identifying major patterns and lessons to inform our thinking for 2022. Opening remarks were given by Rear Admiral Rtd. Dr. Chris Parry (former Director General of the Development,
- [Neil Dee](https://azureforum.org/neil-dee/) - Neil Dee is studying for a Masters in International Relations (specialising in ‘Global Conflict in the Modern Era’) at Leiden University in The Netherlands.
- [The Azure Forum Security Dialogues: Ransomware](https://azureforum.org/the-azure-forum-security-dialogues-ransomware/) - Deterring Ransomware Attacks as an International Security Priority September 30th 2021 Our September roundtable focused on effectively tackling the growing prevalence of ransomware attacks. Caitriona Heinl moderated this discussion between Chris Painter, President, Global Forum on Cyber Expertise Foundation & Former Coordinator for Cyber Issues at the U.S Department of State; Brian Honan, CEO BH
- [The Azure Forum Security Dialogues: Climate Change](https://azureforum.org/the-azure-forum-security-dialogues-climate-change/) - Is climate change our greatest global and national security threat? October 28th 2021 Our October roundtable examined the security impact of environmental degradation and climate change in the lead up to COP26. Threat assessments highlighted potential challenges including resource wars, migration and displacement, food and water insecurity, and worsening public health. Caitriona Heinl moderated this
- [European Strategic Autonomy: a Trojan Horse](https://azureforum.org/european-strategic-autonomy-a-trojan-horse/) - Michael Murphy | 23 November 2020 Summary Michael Murphy took part in an expert panel discussion on ‘Covid-19 and European Strategic Autonomy’ in October 2020 as part of The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy 2020 series on ‘Peace, security and defence during and beyond the Covid-19 Crisis: Lessons for future global crises’. He argues
- [“The EU doesn’t stop at the water’s edge”: EU-India and the Indo-Pacific](https://azureforum.org/the-eu-doesnt-stop-at-the-waters-edge-eu-india-and-the-indo-pacific/) - John-Joseph Wilkins | 28 April 2021 Summary This paper examines ways to enhance security cooperation between the European Union and India, with a focus on counter-piracy and cooperation through ASEAN. This piece is the revised version of the original paper produced in March 2021 for the EU India think tanks twinning initiative 2020-22. The original
- [Emerging AI governance for international security: The stakes and stakeholders of responsibility](https://azureforum.org/emerging-ai-governance-for-international-security-the-stakes-and-stakeholders-of-responsibility/) - Zoe Stanley-Lockman | 10 March 2021 Summary This commentary looks first at the stakes of governing technology for peace, security, and defence, then identifies the stakeholders who have a responsibility to shape the emerging international technology order. With small states in mind, the commentary concludes by applying this framing to concrete policy challenges such as
- [Identity politics, neutrality and the Single European Act referendum: Lessons for modern Ireland](https://azureforum.org/identity-politics-neutrality-and-the-single-european-act-referendum-lessons-for-modern-ireland/) - Jack McCarthy | 03 March 2021 Summary Jack McCarthy argues that identity politics and extreme nationalism have once again emerged as challenges to modern democracies. He writes that for extreme actors and for the uninformed public, the Irish foreign policy of military neutrality is inextricably linked to a traditional concept of Irish identity. However, identity
- [Corruption, organised crime and conflict in Mozambique: exploring the role of international donors](https://azureforum.org/corruption-organised-crime-and-conflict-in-mozambique-exploring-the-role-of-international-donors/) - Alexander Chance | 17 February 2021 Summary The ongoing conflict in northern Mozambique poses serious questions not only for regional security, but also for the viability of hitherto dominant ‘liberal’ peacebuilding approaches. Whilst ostensibly an Islamist insurgency, a range of other dynamics have created the conditions for violence – including lucrative illicit trades, discontent at
- [Covid and Europe’s strategic awakening](https://azureforum.org/covid-and-europes-strategic-awakening/) - Daniel Fiott | 11 November 2020 Summary Daniel Fiott took part in an expert panel discussion on ‘Covid-19 and European Strategic Autonomy’ in October 2020 as part of The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy 2020 series on ‘Peace, security and defence during and beyond the Covid-19 Crisis: Lessons for future global crises’. He argues
- [The Azure Forum Strategic Insights](https://azureforum.org/trade-and-strategic-overreliance-on-global-supply-chains-a-new-phase-in-globalisation/) - Lt. Col. Gareth Prendergast took part in an expert panel discussion in August 2020 as part of The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy 2020 series on ‘Peace, security and defence during and beyond the Covid-19 Crisis: Lessons for future global crises’, with support from University College Dublin.
- [STRATEGIC AUTONOMY AS ANTI-PROTECTIONISM](https://azureforum.org/strategic-autonomy-as-anti-protectionism/) - Jens Hillebrand Pohl | 30 November 2020 Summary Jens Hillebrand Pohl took part in an expert panel discussion on ‘Covid-19 and European Strategic Autonomy’ in October 2020 as part of The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy 2020 series on ‘Peace, security and defence during and beyond the Covid-19 Crisis: Lessons for future global crises’.
- [Critical technologies and the Indo-Pacific: the ‘Digital Quad’](https://azureforum.org/critical-technologies-and-the-indo-pacific-the-digital-quad/) - Trisha Ray | 10 February 2021 Summary The relationship between Canberra and New Delhi has made significant strides over the past year, buoyed by a growing, shared suspicion of China and a search for reliable partners in light of the United States’ retreat over the past half decade. These two drivers are particularly crucial in
- [The Azure Forum Strategic Insights](https://azureforum.org/global-supply-chain-security-after-covid-19-potential-outlook-david-ramirez/) - David Ramirez took part in an expert panel discussion in August 2020 as part of The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy 2020 series on ‘Peace, security and defence during and beyond the Covid-19 Crisis: Lessons for future global crises’, with support from University College Dublin.
- [About us](https://azureforum.org/who-we-are/about-us/) - The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy (CLG) is a social enterprise that aims to add to the social and economic fabric of our national and global community by way of our social impact and positive effect on society.
- [Steve Honiss](https://azureforum.org/steve-honiss/) - Steve is an independent cyber security consultant, based in New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. He has a broad career in public service national security roles, most recently as the inaugural Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for New Zealand’s Parliament where he was responsible for designing and delivering a comprehensive security programme and building a high-performing team of cyber experts to support the functioning of NZ’s democracy.
- [Jack McCarthy](https://azureforum.org/jack-mccarthy/) - Jack McCarthy has held two traineeships in the European Committee of the Regions and subsequently the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS).
- [Gareth Prendergast](https://azureforum.org/gareth-prendergast/) - Lt. Col. Gareth Prendergast is currently the Chief Finance Officer of the Irish Defence Forces. He served as an Instructor in the Irish Command and Staff School from July 2011 to September 2015, instructing on Campaign Planning, Counterinsurgency and Information Operations.
- [Caitríona Heinl](https://azureforum.org/caitriona-heinl/) - Caitríona Heinl is Executive Director at The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy, Ireland and Adjunct Research Fellow at the School of Politics and International Relations (SPIRe) at University College Dublin (UCD).
- [John-Joseph Wilkins](https://azureforum.org/johnjoseph-wilkins/) - Caitríona Heinl is Executive Director at The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy, Ireland and Adjunct Research Fellow at the School of Politics and International Relations (SPIRe) at University College Dublin (UCD).
- [](https://azureforum.org/next-steps-for-cyber-confidence-building-measures/) - The ‘Directions’ blog was launched in May 2020. The blog is an independent platform for exchanging and discussing ideas – old and new ones – on Europe’s place in the digital world and world views on digital Europe.
- [Latest Analysis, Research & Commentary](https://azureforum.org/latest-activities/analysis/) - European Strategic Autonomy: A Trojan Horse by Michael Murphy | 23 November 2020 READ MORE Strategic Autonomy as Anti-Protectionism by Jens Hillebrand Pohl | 30 November 2020 READ MORE Covid and Europe’s strategic awakening by Daniel Fiott | 11 November 2020 READ MORE European strategic autonomy in the shadow of Covid-19: Three lessons and one
- [Topics](https://azureforum.org/what-we-do/topics/) - Working Groups Women in International Security We are in the process of establishing a core group dedicated to promoting the women in international security agenda. More information to follow shortly. If you would like to hear more or become involved, please contact info@azureforum.org
- [The Azure Forum Strategic Insights](https://azureforum.org/foreign-takeover-tensions-exacerbated-by-covid-19/) - Winston Wenyan Ma took part in an expert panel discussion in June 2020 as part of The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy 2020 series on ‘Peace, security and defence during and beyond the Covid-19 Crisis: Lessons for future global crises’, with support from University College Dublin.
- [Research & Analysis](https://azureforum.org/what-we-do/research-publications/) - Research & Analysis THE AZURE FORUM STRATEGIC INSIGHTSREAD MORE “Navigating Cyber Diplomacy in the Asia Pacific: Interview with Tobias Feakin, Australian Ambassador for Cyber and Critical Technology, and Johanna Weaver, Australian Representative to the UN GGE and UN OEWG on Cyber”, Caitríona Heinl, EU Institute of Security Studies/EU Cyber Direct project ‘Directions’ blog, 1 November
- [European strategic autonomy in the shadow of Covid-19: Three lessons and one conclusion](https://azureforum.org/european-strategic-autonomy-in-the-shadow-of-covid-19-three-lessons-and-one-conclusion/) - Ben Tonra | 16 November 2020 Summary Ben Tonra took part in an expert panel discussion on ‘Covid-19 and European Strategic Autonomy’ in October 2020 as part of The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy 2020 series on ‘Peace, security and defence during and beyond the Covid-19 Crisis: Lessons for future global crises’. He argues
- [The Azure Forum Strategic Insights](https://azureforum.org/securing-the-common-travel-area-in-2021/) - The security partnership between the UK and Ireland is generally robust and efficient. But the UK’s access to EU agencies and tools may soon lapse.
- [‘Covid-19 and European Strategic Autonomy: Is the emergency driving an expanded ‘soft security’ concept?’](https://azureforum.org/covid-19-and-european-strategic-autonomy-is-the-emergency-driving-an-expanded-soft-security-concept/) - ‘Covid-19 and European Strategic Autonomy: Is the emergency driving an expanded ‘soft security’ concept?’ 29 October 2020 This was the fifth event in The Azure Forum 2020 Webinar Series on ‘Peace, security and defence during and beyond the Covid-19 Crisis: Lessons for future global crises’. The webinar brought together experts with different professional backgrounds
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- [The Azure Forum Strategic Insights](https://azureforum.org/strategic-insights/) - The discourse on the hazards to EU Member States’ economies from foreign direct investment at a time of business vulnerability caused by the pandemic tends to focus on new regulation. A practitioner from the United Kingdom, Paddy McGuinness, took part in an expert panel discussion in June 2020...
- [State espionage, cyber attacks, and international law responses](https://azureforum.org/state-espionage-cyber-attacks-and-international-law-responses/) - This fourth event in The Azure Forum 2020 Webinar Series on ‘Peace, security and defence during and beyond the Covid-19 Crisis...
- [Public engagement & outreach](https://azureforum.org/public-engagement-outreach/) - Caitríona Heinl took part in a panel discussion on the proposed Commission on Defence that was organised by the Irish Defence Forces Officers’ Club (IDFOC) on 25 June 2020.
- [Pat O’Connor](https://azureforum.org/pat-oconnor/) - Pat O'Connor is co-founder and Managing Director of Irish technology company VRAI, where he leads on investment, strategy and operations.
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- [Michael Murphy](https://azureforum.org/michael-murphy/) - Michael works at Enterprise Ireland which is the Irish government agency responsible for the development of indigenous industry.
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- [Events](https://azureforum.org/latest-activities/events/) - The Azure Forum 2020 Webinar Series ‘Peace, security and defence during and beyond the Covid-19 Crisis: Lessons for future global crises’
- [Commentary & Blogs](https://azureforum.org/latest-activities/commentary-blogs/) - Commentary & Blogs More information to follow in due course. In the meantime, please contact info@azureforum.org for further information.
- [Global disinformation campaigns during the Covid-19 crisis, 29 July 2020](https://azureforum.org/global-disinformation-campaigns-during-the-covid-19-crisis-29-july-2020/) - This second webinar in The Azure Forum 2020 Webinar Series on ‘Peace, security and defence during and beyond the Covid-19 Crisis: Lessons for future global crises’ brought together a panel of expert speakers with different professional and regional backgrounds to examine global disinformation campaigns during the Covid-19 crisis, including their likely impact on national and international peace and security.
- [Developing an effective security strategy in Ireland: Lessons from the cyber domain](https://azureforum.org/developing-an-effective-security-strategy-in-ireland-lessons-from-the-cyber-domain/) - Ireland has a unique global brand as a smaller, even-handed state with balanced foreign policy approaches, strong moral and soft power.
- [Combatting low cost foreign takeovers of vulnerable companies in medical and strategic sectors in the wake of Covid-19](https://azureforum.org/combatting-low-cost-foreign-takeovers-of-vulnerable-companies-in-medical-and-strategic-sectors-in-the-wake-of-covid-19/) - This webinar discussion brought together a panel of expert speakers with different backgrounds to examine economic resilience and the risk of low cost foreign takeovers of companies in medical and other strategic sectors ...
- [Closing the Gap: International Conference on Cyber, Digital and Tech](https://azureforum.org/closing-the-gap-international-conference-on-cyber-digital-and-tech/) - The aim of the workshop was to provide insights into different mechanisms for obtaining funding in support of cooperation and research projects focused on cyber and digital issues.
- [Brian Kirkpatrick](https://azureforum.org/brian-kirkpatrick/) - Brian spent 16 years in the Irish Defence Forces during which time he served at home in a variety of logistics, security and intelligence appointments, served overseas on four occasions in Chad, Lebanon (twice) and Syria as well as being selected for two short secondments abroad to the United Kingdom and United States.
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- [A new phase in globalisation?](https://azureforum.org/a-new-phase-in-globalisation/) - Trade and strategic overreliance on global supply chains: A new phase in globalisation?
- [](https://azureforum.org/effective-security/) - Caitríona Heinl, ‘Developing an effective security strategy in Ireland: Lessons from the cyber domain’, Commentary for the Nortia/IIEA seminar series on ‘Strategy building for small states in European security and defence.
- [Our People](https://azureforum.org/staff-presentation/) - Pat O’connorUniversity LecturerCHINANameNameTelephoneNameE-mailNameORCID iDName ProfileContactPublicationsAncillary activitiesProfileResearch i porta, tristique nisi eget, dignissim justo. Curabitur vitae ornare neque, ut sagittis tellus. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Proin maximus ex ut semper placerat. Donec at velit arcu. Nulla sodales sapien vitae libero accumsan, vitae cursus sapien bibendum. Morbi sed
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- [What makes us unique?](https://azureforum.org/who-we-are/what-makes-us-unique/) - What Makes Us Unique? Filling gaps in strategic thinking in the national ecosystem Independent security and strategic risk research and analysis in a changing world order. Filling a national vacuum in independent strategic thinking and thought leadership on security. Filling a gap in national awareness, applied policy education, training and public discussion on future security

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