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
On RTE’s 6-1 News I noted that core issues such as territorial integrity and the post-war security architecture remain unresolved
Officials in the Baltic states repeatedly stressed to me that the outcome in Ukraine is not localised. It will shape Europe’s strategic landscape for many years to come
Officials in the Baltic states repeatedly stressed to me that the outcome in Ukraine is not localised. It will shape Europe’s strategic landscape for many years to come
November 26, 2025 at 7:00 AM
On RTE’s 6-1 News I noted that core issues such as territorial integrity and the post-war security architecture remain unresolved
Officials in the Baltic states repeatedly stressed to me that the outcome in Ukraine is not localised. It will shape Europe’s strategic landscape for many years to come
Officials in the Baltic states repeatedly stressed to me that the outcome in Ukraine is not localised. It will shape Europe’s strategic landscape for many years to come
In Berlin today for event organised by @libmod.de & @bertelsmannst.bsky.social discussing how EU states can better support Ukraine’s EU integration - even amid war.
Pleased that my briefing on Ireland’s approach forms part of the wider document.
Pleased that my briefing on Ireland’s approach forms part of the wider document.
November 24, 2025 at 6:48 PM
In Berlin today for event organised by @libmod.de & @bertelsmannst.bsky.social discussing how EU states can better support Ukraine’s EU integration - even amid war.
Pleased that my briefing on Ireland’s approach forms part of the wider document.
Pleased that my briefing on Ireland’s approach forms part of the wider document.
Ex-Reform leader Nathan Gill has just been jailed for 10.5 years for taking money to push Moscow’s line in the European parliament.
So when Nigel Farage echoes Kremlin narratives… is it sponsorship or sincerity, and which is worse?
So when Nigel Farage echoes Kremlin narratives… is it sponsorship or sincerity, and which is worse?
November 23, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Ex-Reform leader Nathan Gill has just been jailed for 10.5 years for taking money to push Moscow’s line in the European parliament.
So when Nigel Farage echoes Kremlin narratives… is it sponsorship or sincerity, and which is worse?
So when Nigel Farage echoes Kremlin narratives… is it sponsorship or sincerity, and which is worse?
Just arrived in Berlin for meetings on Ukraine’s path to the EU.
First thing I see? A headline that even my poor German picks up – with strong Molotov–Ribbentrop undertones.
First thing I see? A headline that even my poor German picks up – with strong Molotov–Ribbentrop undertones.
November 23, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Just arrived in Berlin for meetings on Ukraine’s path to the EU.
First thing I see? A headline that even my poor German picks up – with strong Molotov–Ribbentrop undertones.
First thing I see? A headline that even my poor German picks up – with strong Molotov–Ribbentrop undertones.
On RTÉ's PrimeTime I pointed out that the 28-point “peace plan” is nothing of the sort
Russia wins.
The U.S. profits.
Europe is undermined.
And Ukraine is carved up with no reliable security guarantees.
A surrender document dressed as diplomacy.
Russia wins.
The U.S. profits.
Europe is undermined.
And Ukraine is carved up with no reliable security guarantees.
A surrender document dressed as diplomacy.
November 21, 2025 at 3:37 PM
On RTÉ's PrimeTime I pointed out that the 28-point “peace plan” is nothing of the sort
Russia wins.
The U.S. profits.
Europe is undermined.
And Ukraine is carved up with no reliable security guarantees.
A surrender document dressed as diplomacy.
Russia wins.
The U.S. profits.
Europe is undermined.
And Ukraine is carved up with no reliable security guarantees.
A surrender document dressed as diplomacy.
On TRT World I explained why language is political in Latvia
Soviet rule brought Russification, deportations and a major influx of Russians
By 1991, only half the population spoke Latvian
Now non-citizens who have not passed a Latvian language test face expulsion
Soviet rule brought Russification, deportations and a major influx of Russians
By 1991, only half the population spoke Latvian
Now non-citizens who have not passed a Latvian language test face expulsion
November 20, 2025 at 11:33 AM
On TRT World I explained why language is political in Latvia
Soviet rule brought Russification, deportations and a major influx of Russians
By 1991, only half the population spoke Latvian
Now non-citizens who have not passed a Latvian language test face expulsion
Soviet rule brought Russification, deportations and a major influx of Russians
By 1991, only half the population spoke Latvian
Now non-citizens who have not passed a Latvian language test face expulsion
In historic Lukiškės Prison, the Mayor of Vilnius tells us about the city's new defence plan that includes barriers to block roads and disrupt potential enemy advances, protection against drones, a network of shelters and evacuation plans.
#defendingdbaltics
#defendingdbaltics
November 17, 2025 at 9:48 PM
In historic Lukiškės Prison, the Mayor of Vilnius tells us about the city's new defence plan that includes barriers to block roads and disrupt potential enemy advances, protection against drones, a network of shelters and evacuation plans.
#defendingdbaltics
#defendingdbaltics
Looking forward to today’s discussions at #DefendingBaltics in Vilnius
The Chiefs of Defence from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania set the tone in the opening session
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the question isn’t if the region is at risk, but whether Europe can react fast enough
The Chiefs of Defence from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania set the tone in the opening session
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the question isn’t if the region is at risk, but whether Europe can react fast enough
November 17, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Looking forward to today’s discussions at #DefendingBaltics in Vilnius
The Chiefs of Defence from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania set the tone in the opening session
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the question isn’t if the region is at risk, but whether Europe can react fast enough
The Chiefs of Defence from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania set the tone in the opening session
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the question isn’t if the region is at risk, but whether Europe can react fast enough
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!
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
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
I spoke to IrelandAM about the recent summits in Alaska and DC
As Trump praises Putin’s "readiness to negotiate" over Ukraine’s "prime territory" Russia unleashes record drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities
It's what happens when real estate developers meet realpolitik practitioners
As Trump praises Putin’s "readiness to negotiate" over Ukraine’s "prime territory" Russia unleashes record drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities
It's what happens when real estate developers meet realpolitik practitioners
August 20, 2025 at 9:06 AM
I spoke to IrelandAM about the recent summits in Alaska and DC
As Trump praises Putin’s "readiness to negotiate" over Ukraine’s "prime territory" Russia unleashes record drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities
It's what happens when real estate developers meet realpolitik practitioners
As Trump praises Putin’s "readiness to negotiate" over Ukraine’s "prime territory" Russia unleashes record drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities
It's what happens when real estate developers meet realpolitik practitioners
My comments in today's South China Morning Post on the
Alaska and DC meetings between Trump, Putin, Zelenskyy and other European leaders
Alaska and DC meetings between Trump, Putin, Zelenskyy and other European leaders
August 19, 2025 at 12:30 PM
My comments in today's South China Morning Post on the
Alaska and DC meetings between Trump, Putin, Zelenskyy and other European leaders
Alaska and DC meetings between Trump, Putin, Zelenskyy and other European leaders