Strategies for a Small State in a Large Union

This paper, Strategies for a Small State in a Large Union, formed the basis of the Dr. Garret FitzGerald Lecture delivered by Brendan Halligan to members of the IIEA on Europe Day, 9 May 2013.

It is a short reflection on statecraft, drawing examples from Dr. FitzGerald’s experience of managing Ireand’s relations with its partners in the European Union. It considers the process by which Ireland became a ‘psychological insider’ within the Union, Ireland’s approach to the use of its veto and the way in which a small state like Ireland can use its expertise and human capital to maximise its role in a large union.

The paper concludes by presenting a set of guiding principles which the author suggests may be of use to today’s decision makers in shaping their approach to the EU.