Ben Tonra
@bentonra.bsky.social
Professor of International Relations at UCD Dublin; Dundrum Methodist Church; Royal Irish Academy; Azure Forum, IDSA and Gym Dad. Mix of Mayo, Kerry, West Virginia and suburban Maryland.
Reposted by Ben Tonra
“HMS Somerset has deployed on Towed Array Patrol ship duties in the area and is the RN frigate involved in monitoring the Yantar. (RFA Tidesurge, which sadly lost a crew member overboard on 14th November off the NW coast of Ireland, was supporting HMS Somerset).“
www.navylookout.com/rules-of-eng...
www.navylookout.com/rules-of-eng...
Rules of engagement changed as Russian spy ship shines lasers at RAF aircraft - Navy Lookout
The Russian underwater surveillance ship Yantar is currently being monitored on the edge of UK waters, off Scotland, by the Royal Navy and RAF. The Defence Secretary announced today that he has amende...
www.navylookout.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:31 PM
“HMS Somerset has deployed on Towed Array Patrol ship duties in the area and is the RN frigate involved in monitoring the Yantar. (RFA Tidesurge, which sadly lost a crew member overboard on 14th November off the NW coast of Ireland, was supporting HMS Somerset).“
www.navylookout.com/rules-of-eng...
www.navylookout.com/rules-of-eng...
Reposted by Ben Tonra
We’re one step closer to a “Military Schengen”! 🇪🇺
To improve #EUDefence readiness, the Military Mobility Package will ensure swift movement of troops & assets, boost our resilience, tackle regulatory, infrastructure, capability & governance gaps.
🔎 ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
To improve #EUDefence readiness, the Military Mobility Package will ensure swift movement of troops & assets, boost our resilience, tackle regulatory, infrastructure, capability & governance gaps.
🔎 ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
November 19, 2025 at 12:26 PM
We’re one step closer to a “Military Schengen”! 🇪🇺
To improve #EUDefence readiness, the Military Mobility Package will ensure swift movement of troops & assets, boost our resilience, tackle regulatory, infrastructure, capability & governance gaps.
🔎 ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
To improve #EUDefence readiness, the Military Mobility Package will ensure swift movement of troops & assets, boost our resilience, tackle regulatory, infrastructure, capability & governance gaps.
🔎 ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
Reposted by Ben Tonra
The war against 🇺🇦 shows how fast tech is reshaping warfare & vice versa. Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap will build readiness by accelerating tech integration & learning from 🇺🇦, via
➡️better funding
➡️faster time-to-market
➡️easier access to contracts
➡️building skills
➡️better funding
➡️faster time-to-market
➡️easier access to contracts
➡️building skills
November 19, 2025 at 12:43 PM
The war against 🇺🇦 shows how fast tech is reshaping warfare & vice versa. Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap will build readiness by accelerating tech integration & learning from 🇺🇦, via
➡️better funding
➡️faster time-to-market
➡️easier access to contracts
➡️building skills
➡️better funding
➡️faster time-to-market
➡️easier access to contracts
➡️building skills
Reposted by Ben Tonra
Italy’s defense minister is urging the West to push back against a surge in Russian hybrid attacks, warning they could be “catastrophic.”
‘We are under attack’: Italian defense minister accuses Russia of waging hybrid war
It is “absurd” that there is so little reaction, wrote Defense Minister Guido Crosetto.
www.politico.eu
November 19, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Italy’s defense minister is urging the West to push back against a surge in Russian hybrid attacks, warning they could be “catastrophic.”
Does anyone believe Russia would respect Irish neutrality in a major war in Europe?
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Lara Marlowe: Does anyone believe that Russia would respect Irish neutrality in a major European war?
If Russia strikes the UK, they won’t stop at Ireland, a German professor of international politics warns
www.irishtimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:07 AM
Does anyone believe Russia would respect Irish neutrality in a major war in Europe?
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Reposted by Ben Tonra
Both Microsoft & Google rushed more AI features today & are embedding them into their most profitable products
Something tells me they see the house of cards wobbling, and are desperate to convince investors not to pull money w/a transparent attempt to create a false sense of profitability of AI
Something tells me they see the house of cards wobbling, and are desperate to convince investors not to pull money w/a transparent attempt to create a false sense of profitability of AI
November 18, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Both Microsoft & Google rushed more AI features today & are embedding them into their most profitable products
Something tells me they see the house of cards wobbling, and are desperate to convince investors not to pull money w/a transparent attempt to create a false sense of profitability of AI
Something tells me they see the house of cards wobbling, and are desperate to convince investors not to pull money w/a transparent attempt to create a false sense of profitability of AI
One of the most arresting and extraordinary pieces of radio interview I have ever heard. Listen. www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
"Could AI have a goal to destroy us?" "Yes"
"Godfather of AI" Professor Geoffrey Hinton won a Nobel Prize for his early work on machine learning which were the foundations for modern Artificial Intelligence today. He left his role with Google t...
www.rte.ie
November 17, 2025 at 10:05 PM
One of the most arresting and extraordinary pieces of radio interview I have ever heard. Listen. www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Reposted by Ben Tonra
Unemployment for an entire generation isn’t ‘quiet time.’ It’s a failing labor market and a warning sign for the economy.
Kevin Hassett: "I think there could be a little bit of an almost quiet time in the labor market, because firms are finding that AI is making their workers so productive that they don't necessarily have to hire the new kids out of college and so on."
November 17, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Unemployment for an entire generation isn’t ‘quiet time.’ It’s a failing labor market and a warning sign for the economy.
Reposted by Ben Tonra
China, the US and even Russia playing the same game to subvert Europe that European powers used to play in African and Asian colonies: divide and rule. From @edwardluce.bsky.social on.ft.com/4oDf4Tk
The scramble for Europe is just beginning
As the EU struggles to defend its interests, outside powers play divide and rule
on.ft.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:55 PM
China, the US and even Russia playing the same game to subvert Europe that European powers used to play in African and Asian colonies: divide and rule. From @edwardluce.bsky.social on.ft.com/4oDf4Tk
Reposted by Ben Tonra
This act of sabotage on railways in Poland, after arson, assassination attempts, cyberattacks, other terrorist acts, etc. is nothing but a confirmation that russia is waging a war on Europe.
Let's expect more like this as long as Moscow is not defeated in Ukraine.
www.lemonde.fr/internationa...
Let's expect more like this as long as Moscow is not defeated in Ukraine.
www.lemonde.fr/internationa...
La Pologne dénonce le « sabotage sans précédent » d’une voie ferroviaire menant vers l’Ukraine
Depuis le début de l’agression russe contre l’Ukraine, en février 2022, la Pologne, membre de l’OTAN et de l’UE, dit être la cible de tentatives de sabotage orchestrées par la Russie.
www.lemonde.fr
November 17, 2025 at 9:36 PM
This act of sabotage on railways in Poland, after arson, assassination attempts, cyberattacks, other terrorist acts, etc. is nothing but a confirmation that russia is waging a war on Europe.
Let's expect more like this as long as Moscow is not defeated in Ukraine.
www.lemonde.fr/internationa...
Let's expect more like this as long as Moscow is not defeated in Ukraine.
www.lemonde.fr/internationa...
Reposted by Ben Tonra
Looming forward to discussing the state of EU enlargement policy.
🤔 Curious about the prospects for EU enlargement?
Join Anand Menon, @sebastienmaillard.bsky.social, Heather Grabbe & Prof John O Brennan as they discuss the 2025 enlargment package
💻 Online
📆 Tues 18 Nov, 1pm GMT
https://ukandeu.ac.uk/events/ukice-lunch-hour-the-prospects-for-eu-enlargement/
Join Anand Menon, @sebastienmaillard.bsky.social, Heather Grabbe & Prof John O Brennan as they discuss the 2025 enlargment package
💻 Online
📆 Tues 18 Nov, 1pm GMT
https://ukandeu.ac.uk/events/ukice-lunch-hour-the-prospects-for-eu-enlargement/
UKICE Lunch Hour: The prospects for EU enlargement - UK in a changing Europe
On 4 November, the EU is set to present its 2025 enlargement package. Join our expert panel as they discuss the package and the prospects for EU enlargement.
ukandeu.ac.uk
November 16, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Looming forward to discussing the state of EU enlargement policy.
If you have the opportunity… go. #SeamusHeaney
November 16, 2025 at 2:56 PM
If you have the opportunity… go. #SeamusHeaney
Seminal interview from Brendan O’Connor @rteradio1.bsky.social Geoffrey Hinton on AI today - an interview for the ages. Fascinating and terrifying in near equal measure. Incredible stuff. I’ll remember where I was when I heard it.
November 16, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Seminal interview from Brendan O’Connor @rteradio1.bsky.social Geoffrey Hinton on AI today - an interview for the ages. Fascinating and terrifying in near equal measure. Incredible stuff. I’ll remember where I was when I heard it.
Reposted by Ben Tonra
"Everything can be weaponised" - that is the "lesson" from the Nexperia row with China, says Maros Sefcovic warns in interview with
@ShonaMurray_
Says it is time for Europe to act more like the Japanese who are stock piling their critical raw materials.
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
@ShonaMurray_
Says it is time for Europe to act more like the Japanese who are stock piling their critical raw materials.
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
Exclusive: 'Everything can be weaponised,' says EU trade chief
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič told Euronews in an exclusive interview that the Nexperia incident is "beginning to be resolved", but points to lessons about critical dependencies: "Everything ca...
www.euronews.com
November 15, 2025 at 9:24 AM
"Everything can be weaponised" - that is the "lesson" from the Nexperia row with China, says Maros Sefcovic warns in interview with
@ShonaMurray_
Says it is time for Europe to act more like the Japanese who are stock piling their critical raw materials.
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
@ShonaMurray_
Says it is time for Europe to act more like the Japanese who are stock piling their critical raw materials.
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
Reposted by Ben Tonra
Europe needs to take responsibility for its own security & defence.
This responsibility requires autonomy and independence: developing our own defence capabilities so we can safeguard Europe’s security ourselves.
Remarks @FESonline #TGK25 ⬇️
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
This responsibility requires autonomy and independence: developing our own defence capabilities so we can safeguard Europe’s security ourselves.
Remarks @FESonline #TGK25 ⬇️
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
Greeting message by Commissioner Kubilius fort the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Tiergarten Conference (pre-recorded)
Good afternoon!\nYou are discussing a very important topic: European security autonomy, at a very important time. A time that calls for unity and solidarity. A time when Russia is increasing its defen...
ec.europa.eu
November 14, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Europe needs to take responsibility for its own security & defence.
This responsibility requires autonomy and independence: developing our own defence capabilities so we can safeguard Europe’s security ourselves.
Remarks @FESonline #TGK25 ⬇️
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
This responsibility requires autonomy and independence: developing our own defence capabilities so we can safeguard Europe’s security ourselves.
Remarks @FESonline #TGK25 ⬇️
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
“We’ll always have Paris”
November 14, 2025 at 5:14 PM
“We’ll always have Paris”
Classy treat… Casablanca on the big cinema screen with a bottle of wine… in the late afternoon
November 14, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Classy treat… Casablanca on the big cinema screen with a bottle of wine… in the late afternoon
“If Estonia were attacked, Masala speculates, Trump and some European leaders would parrot Russian propaganda about the persecution of Russian-speakers. ”
💯
Article V would be a dead letter.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
💯
Article V would be a dead letter.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Lara Marlowe: Does anyone believe that Russia would respect Irish neutrality in a major European war?
If Russia strikes the UK, they won’t stop at Ireland, a German professor of international politics warns
www.irishtimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:48 AM
“If Estonia were attacked, Masala speculates, Trump and some European leaders would parrot Russian propaganda about the persecution of Russian-speakers. ”
💯
Article V would be a dead letter.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
💯
Article V would be a dead letter.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Reposted by Ben Tonra
Lara Marlowe: Does anyone believe that Russia would respect Irish neutrality in a major European war?
Lara Marlowe: Does anyone believe that Russia would respect Irish neutrality in a major European war?
If Russia strikes the UK, they won’t stop at Ireland, a German professor of international politics warns
www.irishtimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Lara Marlowe: Does anyone believe that Russia would respect Irish neutrality in a major European war?
Reposted by Ben Tonra
Once a leader on climate action, the EU has given in to the right’s green-bashing. From deforestation to carbon pricing, vital policies are being watered down in the name of ‘competitiveness’. But Europe is shooting itself in the foot. My piece @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Once a global leader on climate action, the EU has given in to the right’s green-bashing | Nathalie Tocci
From deforestation to emissions trading, vital policies are being watered down in the name of ‘competitiveness’, says Guardian Europe columnist Nathalie Tocci
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:12 AM
Once a leader on climate action, the EU has given in to the right’s green-bashing. From deforestation to carbon pricing, vital policies are being watered down in the name of ‘competitiveness’. But Europe is shooting itself in the foot. My piece @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Working with a US university on a project and joint event. Was apologising profusely for the ludicrous hoops we had to jump through to get even simple financial things done - only to discover they too had moved to the same dreadful #Workday software and were also tearing their hair out.
😵💫
😵💫
November 13, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Working with a US university on a project and joint event. Was apologising profusely for the ludicrous hoops we had to jump through to get even simple financial things done - only to discover they too had moved to the same dreadful #Workday software and were also tearing their hair out.
😵💫
😵💫
Reposted by Ben Tonra
Coimisiún na Meán begins investigation into the social media platform X
Coimisiún na Meán begins investigation into the social media platform X
Move stems from concerns over social network’s compliance with internal complaint handling system legislation
www.irishtimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Coimisiún na Meán begins investigation into the social media platform X
Very excited to get this… first book of my 62nd year… and signed by ‘yer man’!
November 12, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Very excited to get this… first book of my 62nd year… and signed by ‘yer man’!
Reposted by Ben Tonra
Michael McDowell: How many Irish women and men could rally to the flag and handle an automatic weapon?
Michael McDowell: How many Irish women and men could rally to the flag and handle an automatic weapon?
Ireland’s Defence Forces has been allowed to atrophy, while we complacently ignore threats to national security
www.irishtimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:33 AM
Michael McDowell: How many Irish women and men could rally to the flag and handle an automatic weapon?
Reposted by Ben Tonra
Never forget that the only country in NATO history which triggered NATO article 5 is USA after a bunch of Arab terrorists took down some buildings in New York.
Now when Europe is in existential threat by former Soviets, the USA is throwing us bones and expecting gratitude.
EU need to step up.
Now when Europe is in existential threat by former Soviets, the USA is throwing us bones and expecting gratitude.
EU need to step up.
November 11, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Never forget that the only country in NATO history which triggered NATO article 5 is USA after a bunch of Arab terrorists took down some buildings in New York.
Now when Europe is in existential threat by former Soviets, the USA is throwing us bones and expecting gratitude.
EU need to step up.
Now when Europe is in existential threat by former Soviets, the USA is throwing us bones and expecting gratitude.
EU need to step up.