Prof Carlo Masala had no issue with Ireland deciding to stay neutral, but it had to be able to defend itself. Photograph: Alan BetsonIreland’s policy on defence is hypocritical, and to think Ireland will not be attacked because it is neutral “is of course stupid”, a German expert on security policy has said. Asked about Irish neutrality, Prof Masala said he found it “very hypocritical, if you use your neutrality to basically save money in terms of defence policy – I know that this is changing now – and relying on others, if push comes to shove, to defend you". Democracy won the two major battles of the 20th century, against fascism and communism, and democracy could survive in the 21st century, he said. The critical condition was that societies remembered that democracy cannot be taken for granted.

Source: The Irish Times December 16, 2025 22:31 UTC