Donnacha Ó Beacháin
@donnachadcu.bsky.social
Professor of Politics, Dublin City University (DCU)
Ukraine | Russian imperialism | South Caucasus | Central Asia | Belarus | Moldova | unrecognised states | Irish history, politics and foreign policy
Ukraine | Russian imperialism | South Caucasus | Central Asia | Belarus | Moldova | unrecognised states | Irish history, politics and foreign policy
Pinned
Russian imperialism didn’t start in 2022, nor is it confined to Ukraine.
My new book analyses the Kremlin’s long shadow—past and present.
Out on 24 April.
My new book analyses the Kremlin’s long shadow—past and present.
Out on 24 April.
In Vilnius to give a keynote address today at the “Not Only Putin: Russian Culture and Imperialism" conference.
A reminder that the imperial mindset long predates and outlasts any one leader.
Imperialism isn’t a glitch in the system - it is the system.
A reminder that the imperial mindset long predates and outlasts any one leader.
Imperialism isn’t a glitch in the system - it is the system.
November 14, 2025 at 9:22 AM
In Vilnius to give a keynote address today at the “Not Only Putin: Russian Culture and Imperialism" conference.
A reminder that the imperial mindset long predates and outlasts any one leader.
Imperialism isn’t a glitch in the system - it is the system.
A reminder that the imperial mindset long predates and outlasts any one leader.
Imperialism isn’t a glitch in the system - it is the system.
Heading to Lithuania to deliver a keynote address on Russian imperialism.
Organisers reassure us that “Belarusian balloon activity” has eased and Vilnius airport will hopefully not be closed again today.
A very 2025 travel advisory!
Organisers reassure us that “Belarusian balloon activity” has eased and Vilnius airport will hopefully not be closed again today.
A very 2025 travel advisory!
November 13, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Heading to Lithuania to deliver a keynote address on Russian imperialism.
Organisers reassure us that “Belarusian balloon activity” has eased and Vilnius airport will hopefully not be closed again today.
A very 2025 travel advisory!
Organisers reassure us that “Belarusian balloon activity” has eased and Vilnius airport will hopefully not be closed again today.
A very 2025 travel advisory!
Putin won’t back down now or seek real talks. Why would he?
Trump’s behaviour has emboldened him, the EU hasn’t filled the gap, and Russia’s allies - China, North Korea - sustain the war
Until Putin fears losing, he’ll keep fighting
My @euronews.com interview
www.euronews.com/2025/10/23/w...
Trump’s behaviour has emboldened him, the EU hasn’t filled the gap, and Russia’s allies - China, North Korea - sustain the war
Until Putin fears losing, he’ll keep fighting
My @euronews.com interview
www.euronews.com/2025/10/23/w...
Will Russia back down from war after further EU and US sanctions?
Moscow has denied that the latest round of sanctions by the EU and the new strict measures by Washington will have any effect on its economy or its war strategy, signalling that Russia will not back d...
www.euronews.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Putin won’t back down now or seek real talks. Why would he?
Trump’s behaviour has emboldened him, the EU hasn’t filled the gap, and Russia’s allies - China, North Korea - sustain the war
Until Putin fears losing, he’ll keep fighting
My @euronews.com interview
www.euronews.com/2025/10/23/w...
Trump’s behaviour has emboldened him, the EU hasn’t filled the gap, and Russia’s allies - China, North Korea - sustain the war
Until Putin fears losing, he’ll keep fighting
My @euronews.com interview
www.euronews.com/2025/10/23/w...
Reviewing the week on RTÉ's Brendan O'Connor we discussed Ireland's presidential election, Russia's war in Ukraine, Trump's hubris and the unstable ceasefire in Gaza.
Listen back here: www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Listen back here: www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to talk through the Sunday newspapers are Lisa Chambers, Director of Public Affairs at Consello and former Fianna Fáil TD and Senator, Oisin Coghlan, Public Policy Advisor, Jennifer Br...
www.rte.ie
October 23, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Reviewing the week on RTÉ's Brendan O'Connor we discussed Ireland's presidential election, Russia's war in Ukraine, Trump's hubris and the unstable ceasefire in Gaza.
Listen back here: www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Listen back here: www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Reposted by Donnacha Ó Beacháin
Trump posts AI video showing him literally dumping shit on America
October 19, 2025 at 2:36 AM
Trump posts AI video showing him literally dumping shit on America
Delighted to take part today with @tanyalokot.bsky.social and Romania's Ambassador to Ireland in this PSAI roundtable devoted to my book on Russian Imperialism.
It traces how empire shaped the fate of Russia’s neighbours - from tsarist conquests to Soviet rule and today’s relentless aggression.
It traces how empire shaped the fate of Russia’s neighbours - from tsarist conquests to Soviet rule and today’s relentless aggression.
October 18, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Delighted to take part today with @tanyalokot.bsky.social and Romania's Ambassador to Ireland in this PSAI roundtable devoted to my book on Russian Imperialism.
It traces how empire shaped the fate of Russia’s neighbours - from tsarist conquests to Soviet rule and today’s relentless aggression.
It traces how empire shaped the fate of Russia’s neighbours - from tsarist conquests to Soviet rule and today’s relentless aggression.
I'll be speaking to Pat Kenny on Newstalk at 11
as Zelenskyy meets Trump in the White House today
Trump’s “very productive” call with Putin and newly announced meeting with the Russian leader in Budapest will cause alarm in Kyiv and the EU about yet another Trump pivot
as Zelenskyy meets Trump in the White House today
Trump’s “very productive” call with Putin and newly announced meeting with the Russian leader in Budapest will cause alarm in Kyiv and the EU about yet another Trump pivot
October 17, 2025 at 8:57 AM
I'll be speaking to Pat Kenny on Newstalk at 11
as Zelenskyy meets Trump in the White House today
Trump’s “very productive” call with Putin and newly announced meeting with the Russian leader in Budapest will cause alarm in Kyiv and the EU about yet another Trump pivot
as Zelenskyy meets Trump in the White House today
Trump’s “very productive” call with Putin and newly announced meeting with the Russian leader in Budapest will cause alarm in Kyiv and the EU about yet another Trump pivot
I'm quoted in @irishtimes.com re how Jack Lynch turned hurling and football medals into political capital.
Jim Gavin showed that not every champion can do the same.
Different games, very different rules.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Jim Gavin showed that not every champion can do the same.
Different games, very different rules.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Kathy Sheridan: Catherine Connolly should ask Jim Gavin what a smear campaign looks like
Smear campaigns are not just media grilling, they are an old and deadly social poison
www.irishtimes.com
October 16, 2025 at 1:11 PM
I'm quoted in @irishtimes.com re how Jack Lynch turned hurling and football medals into political capital.
Jim Gavin showed that not every champion can do the same.
Different games, very different rules.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Jim Gavin showed that not every champion can do the same.
Different games, very different rules.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Shared some thoughts with @newsweek.com on Ireland’s new U.S. travel guidance
Irish travellers rarely make decisions based solely on official advisories - they read situations for themselves. Still, scenes of unrest in Chicago can influence perceptions and plans
www.newsweek.com/ireland-trav...
Irish travellers rarely make decisions based solely on official advisories - they read situations for themselves. Still, scenes of unrest in Chicago can influence perceptions and plans
www.newsweek.com/ireland-trav...
Ireland updates travel warning For US
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said that although the U.S. still has its lowest risk rating, "normal precautions", travelers "should be aware of potential for disruption from...
www.newsweek.com
October 9, 2025 at 6:20 AM
Shared some thoughts with @newsweek.com on Ireland’s new U.S. travel guidance
Irish travellers rarely make decisions based solely on official advisories - they read situations for themselves. Still, scenes of unrest in Chicago can influence perceptions and plans
www.newsweek.com/ireland-trav...
Irish travellers rarely make decisions based solely on official advisories - they read situations for themselves. Still, scenes of unrest in Chicago can influence perceptions and plans
www.newsweek.com/ireland-trav...
Reposted by Donnacha Ó Beacháin
If you’re ever in the mood for a 40min survey of Irish foreign policy you might enjoy this: youtu.be/hv5ggSV2-vQ?... Me in conversation with Prof James Jer-Lindsay. Bring a salt shaker. 😆
Understanding Irish Foreign Policy | Ben Tonra
YouTube video by Prof James Ker-Lindsay
youtu.be
October 8, 2025 at 6:27 AM
If you’re ever in the mood for a 40min survey of Irish foreign policy you might enjoy this: youtu.be/hv5ggSV2-vQ?... Me in conversation with Prof James Jer-Lindsay. Bring a salt shaker. 😆
A pleasure to join ClareFM’s "In Profile"
We covered everything from my early schooling to current research, hurling, music, early forays into the communist and post-communist world, working in the Caucasus and Central Asia and my fascination with cemeteries!
www.facebook.com/clarefmradio...
We covered everything from my early schooling to current research, hurling, music, early forays into the communist and post-communist world, working in the Caucasus and Central Asia and my fascination with cemeteries!
www.facebook.com/clarefmradio...
12K views · 22 reactions | This week, Alan Morrissey's guest on In Profile is Donnacha O’Beacháin. Donnacha, who hails from Newmarket-On-Fergus, is a political scientist, media commentator, and unive...
This week, Alan Morrissey's guest on In Profile is Donnacha O’Beacháin. Donnacha, who hails from Newmarket-On-Fergus, is a political scientist, media commentator, and university professor.
He is...
www.facebook.com
October 7, 2025 at 8:36 AM
A pleasure to join ClareFM’s "In Profile"
We covered everything from my early schooling to current research, hurling, music, early forays into the communist and post-communist world, working in the Caucasus and Central Asia and my fascination with cemeteries!
www.facebook.com/clarefmradio...
We covered everything from my early schooling to current research, hurling, music, early forays into the communist and post-communist world, working in the Caucasus and Central Asia and my fascination with cemeteries!
www.facebook.com/clarefmradio...
Thirty years ago, we celebrated Eastern Europe’s democratisation
Now democracies are autocratising
The real threat isn’t only external. It’s the cancer of authoritarianism growing from within
Now democracies are autocratising
The real threat isn’t only external. It’s the cancer of authoritarianism growing from within
October 6, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Thirty years ago, we celebrated Eastern Europe’s democratisation
Now democracies are autocratising
The real threat isn’t only external. It’s the cancer of authoritarianism growing from within
Now democracies are autocratising
The real threat isn’t only external. It’s the cancer of authoritarianism growing from within
On Euronews I highlighted that Ukraine isn’t just Europe’s shield - it’s also its teacher.
What Ukraine learns - and invents - today will shape how the EU and NATO deter Russia tomorrow.
What Ukraine learns - and invents - today will shape how the EU and NATO deter Russia tomorrow.
October 5, 2025 at 8:22 AM
On Euronews I highlighted that Ukraine isn’t just Europe’s shield - it’s also its teacher.
What Ukraine learns - and invents - today will shape how the EU and NATO deter Russia tomorrow.
What Ukraine learns - and invents - today will shape how the EU and NATO deter Russia tomorrow.
Reposted by Donnacha Ó Beacháin
In this edition, we discuss the EU proposal for a 'drone wall' of detection and interception systems & zoom in on the ongoing anti government protests in Serbia.
#BrusselsMyLove
#BrusselsMyLove
Brussels, my love? Can a 'drone wall' stop Putin?
In this edition, we discuss the EU proposal for a 'drone wall' of detection and interception systems & zoom in on the ongoing anti government protests in Serbia.
l.euronews.com
October 4, 2025 at 10:08 AM
In this edition, we discuss the EU proposal for a 'drone wall' of detection and interception systems & zoom in on the ongoing anti government protests in Serbia.
#BrusselsMyLove
#BrusselsMyLove
Reposted by Donnacha Ó Beacháin
The short film, 'Why Wouldn't You?', created by the DCU Irish Refugee Integration Network (IRIN) and Sanctuary, has been selected for the 14th Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival, taking place October 3-5.
Read more here: launch.dcu.ie/42maAYe
Read more here: launch.dcu.ie/42maAYe
October 1, 2025 at 11:13 AM
The short film, 'Why Wouldn't You?', created by the DCU Irish Refugee Integration Network (IRIN) and Sanctuary, has been selected for the 14th Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival, taking place October 3-5.
Read more here: launch.dcu.ie/42maAYe
Read more here: launch.dcu.ie/42maAYe
Delighted to join host Méabh McMahon and fellow panelists Ilke Toygür and Matthew Robinson for the final episode of "Brussels, my love?", which will be broadcast on Euronews throughout this weekend
Russia, Ukraine, drone walls, European security, Serbia, MAGA, Sarkozy - we covered a lot of ground!
Russia, Ukraine, drone walls, European security, Serbia, MAGA, Sarkozy - we covered a lot of ground!
October 1, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Delighted to join host Méabh McMahon and fellow panelists Ilke Toygür and Matthew Robinson for the final episode of "Brussels, my love?", which will be broadcast on Euronews throughout this weekend
Russia, Ukraine, drone walls, European security, Serbia, MAGA, Sarkozy - we covered a lot of ground!
Russia, Ukraine, drone walls, European security, Serbia, MAGA, Sarkozy - we covered a lot of ground!
A decisive victory in #Moldova for the pro-EU government against a Moscow-leaning alliance - despite Russian money, interference & disinformation.
I’ll discuss the significance of this on RTÉ's "News at One" shortly after 1pm
I’ll discuss the significance of this on RTÉ's "News at One" shortly after 1pm
September 29, 2025 at 11:39 AM
A decisive victory in #Moldova for the pro-EU government against a Moscow-leaning alliance - despite Russian money, interference & disinformation.
I’ll discuss the significance of this on RTÉ's "News at One" shortly after 1pm
I’ll discuss the significance of this on RTÉ's "News at One" shortly after 1pm
A presidential candidate in Ireland has claimed that Germany’s recent increase in defence spending echoes Nazi rearmament during the 1930s.
I explain here why that parallel is not just misleading but simply wrong.
Full article: irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41712842.html
I explain here why that parallel is not just misleading but simply wrong.
Full article: irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41712842.html
September 26, 2025 at 5:46 PM
A presidential candidate in Ireland has claimed that Germany’s recent increase in defence spending echoes Nazi rearmament during the 1930s.
I explain here why that parallel is not just misleading but simply wrong.
Full article: irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41712842.html
I explain here why that parallel is not just misleading but simply wrong.
Full article: irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41712842.html
On TRT World I noted that the UN is only as strong as its members’ political will.
Its flaws are real, but the deeper problem is division and bad faith among states with veto powers.
Preventing mass murder and annexation in Palestine & Ukraine are defining tests for the UN.
Its flaws are real, but the deeper problem is division and bad faith among states with veto powers.
Preventing mass murder and annexation in Palestine & Ukraine are defining tests for the UN.
September 25, 2025 at 10:02 AM
On TRT World I noted that the UN is only as strong as its members’ political will.
Its flaws are real, but the deeper problem is division and bad faith among states with veto powers.
Preventing mass murder and annexation in Palestine & Ukraine are defining tests for the UN.
Its flaws are real, but the deeper problem is division and bad faith among states with veto powers.
Preventing mass murder and annexation in Palestine & Ukraine are defining tests for the UN.
Ireland’s donation of vehicles & de-mining robots to Ukraine is welcome
Modest contributions like this save lives & sustain frontline operations
However, strong collective EU action is needed to counter Russia’s escalating drone & missile strikes
See www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...
Modest contributions like this save lives & sustain frontline operations
However, strong collective EU action is needed to counter Russia’s escalating drone & missile strikes
See www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...
September 25, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Ireland’s donation of vehicles & de-mining robots to Ukraine is welcome
Modest contributions like this save lives & sustain frontline operations
However, strong collective EU action is needed to counter Russia’s escalating drone & missile strikes
See www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...
Modest contributions like this save lives & sustain frontline operations
However, strong collective EU action is needed to counter Russia’s escalating drone & missile strikes
See www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...
The UN turns 80 but still can’t deliver on its core mission.
On @aljazeera.com I noted its strength as a global forum - yet it remains hobbled by structural flaws and political pressures from bad actors. #UN80
On @aljazeera.com I noted its strength as a global forum - yet it remains hobbled by structural flaws and political pressures from bad actors. #UN80
September 17, 2025 at 12:35 PM
The UN turns 80 but still can’t deliver on its core mission.
On @aljazeera.com I noted its strength as a global forum - yet it remains hobbled by structural flaws and political pressures from bad actors. #UN80
On @aljazeera.com I noted its strength as a global forum - yet it remains hobbled by structural flaws and political pressures from bad actors. #UN80
Getting ready to speak to speak to @aljazeera.com about the current state of world politics and challenges for the UN at 80.
September 16, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Getting ready to speak to speak to @aljazeera.com about the current state of world politics and challenges for the UN at 80.
Enjoyed talking with Jerry O'Sullivan on Radio Kerry today
about mounting challenges faced by European democracies
Just 12% of humanity lives in a liberal democracy and this relatively recent regime-type faces ever-growing autocratic and military threats
www.radiokerry.ie/podcasts/ker...
about mounting challenges faced by European democracies
Just 12% of humanity lives in a liberal democracy and this relatively recent regime-type faces ever-growing autocratic and military threats
www.radiokerry.ie/podcasts/ker...
Western Democracy Under Attack – September 11th, 2025 | RadioKerry.ie
Jerry spoke to Donnacha Ó Beacháin who is professor of politics at the School of Law and Government at DCU. He says we should be very concerned by the actions o...
www.radiokerry.ie
September 11, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Enjoyed talking with Jerry O'Sullivan on Radio Kerry today
about mounting challenges faced by European democracies
Just 12% of humanity lives in a liberal democracy and this relatively recent regime-type faces ever-growing autocratic and military threats
www.radiokerry.ie/podcasts/ker...
about mounting challenges faced by European democracies
Just 12% of humanity lives in a liberal democracy and this relatively recent regime-type faces ever-growing autocratic and military threats
www.radiokerry.ie/podcasts/ker...
Appreciate Senator Tom Clonan’s review of my new book in The Irish Times.
"Unfinished Empire" shows how Russian imperialism has shaped the fate of its neighbours, from the tsarist conquests to Soviet domination and today’s relentless aggression.
"Unfinished Empire" shows how Russian imperialism has shaped the fate of its neighbours, from the tsarist conquests to Soviet domination and today’s relentless aggression.
September 11, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Appreciate Senator Tom Clonan’s review of my new book in The Irish Times.
"Unfinished Empire" shows how Russian imperialism has shaped the fate of its neighbours, from the tsarist conquests to Soviet domination and today’s relentless aggression.
"Unfinished Empire" shows how Russian imperialism has shaped the fate of its neighbours, from the tsarist conquests to Soviet domination and today’s relentless aggression.
Reposted by Donnacha Ó Beacháin
The Pentagon is blocking Ukraine from using long-range missiles to hit Russian military targets.
No wonder Putin still thinks he can win the war
www.wsj.com/politics/nat...
No wonder Putin still thinks he can win the war
www.wsj.com/politics/nat...
Exclusive | Pentagon Has Quietly Blocked Ukraine’s Long-Range Missile Strikes on Russia
The Defense Department has withheld approval for attacks as the White House has sought to entice Moscow to open peace talks.
www.wsj.com
August 24, 2025 at 3:36 AM
The Pentagon is blocking Ukraine from using long-range missiles to hit Russian military targets.
No wonder Putin still thinks he can win the war
www.wsj.com/politics/nat...
No wonder Putin still thinks he can win the war
www.wsj.com/politics/nat...