Latest news with #neutrality
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Baltic states' ‘visceral fear' of Russian invasion ‘almost impossible' for Irish to understand, says ex-MEP
Ireland is having an 'esoteric' debate about ending the triple-lock on sending Irish soldiers abroad while other European Union states fear invasion by Russia , former Green Party MEP Ciarán Cuffe has declared. [ 'Hands off Ireland's neutrality': Government warned changes to triple-lock system will be fought Opens in new window ] The 'visceral fear' felt by Estonia , Latvia and Lithuania that Russian leader Vladmir Putin could order the invasion of their countries is 'almost impossible to understand' for an Irish audience, he said. Speaking at the Patrick MacGill summer school in Glenties, Co Donegal, Mr Cuffe, who is now the co-chair of the European Green Party, said the Baltic states are debating whether to pull out of an international agreement banning landmines. 'Why? Because these countries want to have a belt of landmines ready if Putin comes across the border. We can have an esoteric discussion of the triple lock. But in those countries, it's what might happen tomorrow or the next day,' he said. READ MORE [ Poll shows Ireland's attachment to neutrality is strong but nuanced Opens in new window ] Eastern European EU states worry about mobilising soldiers in 24 hours: 'It's a debate we're not even thinking about here. We're still wrestling with [a report] that said our army, our defence forces are 40 years out of date. I think we have to come to grips with that.' Former MEP Ciarán Cuffe at Patrick MacGill Summer School on Saturday Speaking on the Gaza crisis and Ireland's stand on the issue, Mr Cuffe urged an Irish audience to remember that 'the legacy of the Holocaust casts a very long shadow over central Europe. 'When I talk to my colleagues in Germany or Austria, they are so hard-wired into protecting the state of Israel, they find it incredibly difficult to recognise the magnitude of human slaughter of Palestinian people that is occurring. 'However, public opinion is changing in Germany,' he said, adding that the European Green Party now favours the suspension of parts of the EU-Israel association agreement that do not require all EU states to agree. Ireland's focus on the Gaza crisis is understandable given our history as a postcolonial country: 'We do find it so strong and so close to our own history. So, we have to act on that,' he said, Meanwhile, Dr Eoin Drea, senior researcher at the Brussels-based Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, warned that Ireland's positions on neutrality and defence spending have damaged the country's standing. 'I always get anxious talking about Ukraine in Ireland because I really want Irish people to know that in Brussels, Ireland is not viewed as a credible voice, as a serious voice on security and defence,' he said. Ireland is talking about buying a towed sonar array to track Russian submarines 'interfering with our undersea cables, but on some days, we don't have enough sailors even to put a ship to sea. So, what are we going to tow this sonar array with?' Before the Ukraine crisis, few other EU states took any notice of Ireland's attitudes on defence and neutrality, he said: 'There was a lot of ignorance about the Irish situation before Ukraine. We were out on the western seaboard, we didn't matter.' Since then, however, it has become clear to other EU states that the United Kingdom 'takes care' of Ireland's security and defence: 'If there's a Russian fighter that buzzes by Irish airspace, it's RAF jets that are scrambled to meet them,' he said. [ Who protects Irish skies? The secret air defence deal that dates back to the cold war Opens in new window ] Meanwhile, trust in democracy has fallen significantly over the last 25 years across western countries because of voters' 'lack of faith' in traditional political parties' ability to tackle problems, former minister for Europe Lucinda Creighton said. Scandals in nearly all western countries have led to 'an erosion of trust in the consensus around the political order', the former Fine Gael TD said. Traditional centre-left and centre-right political parties have 'struggled to capture the attention of younger voters' and have been unable to use social media tools to connect with them, unlike populist parties. Blue-collar and middle-class workers 'just don't have the same hope and positivity and sense of opportunity that they might have done in the past', leading to a lack of faith in the liberal order, she went on. Equally, populist or right-wing parties in Poland, Germany, France and elsewhere have successfully 'adopted quite radical left-wing policies, but coupled them with some right-wing narratives', she said.
Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Times
Stay away from politics if you want to be trusted, scientists told
Scientists who 'take off their lab coats' to become political activists should not expect the public to retain faith in their impartiality when they put them back on to continue their work, academics have warned. Many researchers want their work to change the world for the better, but should be careful when using their findings to support or call for particular political policies, as this could damage trust in their neutrality, experts have said. Jim Naismith, a professor of structural biology at the University of Oxford, speaking in a personal capacity, said: 'There's a role for scientists as political advocates, and I respect that, but once you take your lab coat off and argue for a political objective, you enter an arena that's played by political rules and I don't think in today's world you can then put the lab coat back on and say, 'I'm neutral and above the political fray.'' Naismith said that science can show beyond reasonable doubt that carbon dioxide pumped out by humans is driving climate change with serious effects, but it cannot prove which political party or policies offer the best solutions. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he said that the science was clear on the risks of the virus, but could not say for certain whether lockdowns or facemasks were the answer. Several academics have said that scientists should also embrace a diversity of views among colleagues and should not look down on those who may hold a different view on Brexit or who may have religious beliefs. Ella Al-Shamahi, the presenter of the BBC's science series Human, told The Sunday Times: 'We do have to be a little bit honest and say that, to many, it seems like left-leaning atheists have a monopoly on science', counting herself among them. Fiona Fox is a fellow of the Royal Society and chief of the Science Media Centre. She said: 'As a politician you have an idea, and you fight for that idea and it's ideological and that's fine. The distinct contribution that science makes is to say: 'Ideas and ideology are all well and good, but let's set up rigorous experiments to test these ideas and see if they stack up.' 'But more people [in science] are saying to me: 'That's kind of not good enough, you've got to be political these days.'' Fox said that many young scientists today 'came into science to improve the world' and feel they have to 'take a stand' on political issues, adding: 'I fully understand and respect [that] but I am concerned that they risk undermining public trust, which is so high because scientists are seen as subject experts who are above politics.' Joseph Conlon, a professor of theoretical physics at the University of Oxford, said that he was 'defriended' on social media by some peers after going public with his support for Brexit and for being 'openly right of centre' and feared it would affect his funding. He added that some scientists were willing to say privately: 'Yes, I support Brexit as well but wouldn't dare say it publicly because of the risk to my career.' 'Science works on people being willing to have ideas that are slightly crazy and … new and different from everyone else,' he said, adding that science must not be 'based around orthodoxy and the idea that everyone has to think a certain way'. John-Arne Rottingen, the chief executive of the Wellcome Trust, wrote on LinkedIn on Friday: 'Science tends to be done by people with social backgrounds, demographic characteristics and values that make them more likely to have left-leaning, liberal or progressive political and social views.' Rottingen said that if scientists are 'seen to lean left or liberal' then it is 'not surprising that people who are not left-wing or liberal may become suspicious of science. Not because they have evaluated the quality of our evidence and found it wanting, but because they associate us with a political world view they reject.' Stephen John, a lecturer in the philosophy of science at the University of Cambridge, said that controversies tended to arise more in scientific fields related to human behaviour such as evolutionary psychology because these are 'typically sciences felt to have political or social implications'. He also warned about 'trespassing', where experts in one field stray outside their area of expertise to 'make claims' about other issues they are not so well qualified to speak about. Dr Gavin Merrifield, of the Christians in Science group, said that many scientists have a religious faith but have to counter the misconception that 'science is perceived as only for atheists', warning that many feel they are 'not able to be open about their beliefs' around colleagues. Professor John Womersley, an adviser at the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, said that 'we as an academic community [must not be] doing things that exacerbate the potential for mistrust or distrust of the academic enterprise'.
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Liew: Malaysia's neutral trade stance misused to dodge tariffs, skirt sanction
KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 — Malaysia's policy of neutrality in global trade has been misinterpreted by some exporters and exploited as a base to evade tariffs and circumvent sanctions, Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong said today. In his keynote address at the Skrine seminar on 'Staying Ahead of the Curve: Legal Appetite for Sanctions and Tariffs Risks' here today, Liew said the government is taking steps to strengthen enforcement and tighten oversight over certain imports and exports to prevent such misuse and uphold Malaysia's credibility in global trade. 'Tariffs are not simply about raising the price of imported goods. Their effects and consequences are more than that. They disrupt supply chains by creating second-order effects. 'For instance, goods that were originally destined for the US market are now being redirected and flooding other markets, including ours. This creates serious challenges as the influx of imports could undermine our local producers,' he said. He said the current era of hyperglobalisation, which has promoted efficiency above all else, has ended, replaced by an era that prioritises security and resilience. As a result, both the government and the private sector must rethink their long-term trade strategies to exist and adapt to this changing global landscape, Liew added. 'Trade should no longer be seen as an end in itself, but as a means to achieve a broader purpose,' he said, adding that the old trade model, where Malaysia and other ASEAN members compete to manufacture as cheaply as possible and export to the US, is no longer sustainable. Liew noted that Malaysia must pursue market diversification by expanding ties with emerging markets in Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. At the same time, he urged ASEAN member states to move away from internal competition and instead work collectively to build an integrated regional supply chain and a vibrant consumer base of their own. 'ASEAN is already the fifth-largest economy in the world, with a population of over 680 million people. 'A stronger and more integrated ASEAN, with a strong middle class, will not only encourage major powers to engage with us as a single bloc but may also attract other emerging economies to trade, invest and grow alongside us,' he said. He also emphasised the importance of legal preparedness in navigating today's complex trading landscape. 'The law can certainly serve two purposes: to advance and to defend our national interests. Hence, in navigating this ever-evolving global trading system, the law must be part of the equation. 'What has kept the world in check for so long, even with its imperfections, is the existence of international legal norms that hold states accountable and provide a framework for the peaceful settlement of disputes,' he said. Liew said as Malaysia charts its course through this changing global economy, the government and the private sector must work together to strengthen legal knowledge and enhance the ability to navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges. — Bernama
Malay Mail
12-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Neutral but firm: Malaysia upholds Zopfan-based foreign policy to maintain peace and balance, says minister
KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 — Malaysia maintains a balanced and neutral foreign policy approach in managing strategic relations with major powers such as the United States (US) and China, in line with the principles of the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN), said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. As a trading nation, he said Malaysia cannot be seen as leaning towards any bloc, but must maintain a neutral stance for the sake of the country's stability and interests. 'We practise good balance. We are a trading nation, and our economy is based on trade. 'We cannot be seen to be leaning towards any party. The US is the biggest investor in our country, while China is Malaysia's largest trading partner,' he said at a press conference following the conclusion of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings here on Friday. Mohamad said the neutral policy aligns with Malaysia's commitments under ZOPFAN and Asean, which aim to maintain the region as a peaceful and stable zone. 'ZOPFAN is very important for Malaysia and Asean. We are in a zone of peace. Therefore, we cannot be seen to lean towards any side, and that is our approach in balancing relations with all major powers,' he said. When asked about the outcome of the Asean-US meeting on Thursday, Mohamad explained that no specific list of demands was presented by either party; instead, the discussions focused more on regional security issues and long-term cooperation. 'In the Post-Ministerial Conference with the US, we discussed the South China Sea issue and how the US, as a major power, needs to play a discerning role in this region,' he said. Touching on the issue of tariffs imposed by the US on several Asean countries, Mohamad said this matter would be discussed bilaterally, including during upcoming meetings with partners such as the United Kingdom and the US. 'We did not present a specific list during the Asean meeting, but in upcoming bilateral meetings, we will raise issues related to tariffs and our trade relations with the US,' he said. ZOPFAN is the Declaration of the Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality signed by the Foreign Ministers of the five founding Asean countries — Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand — on November 27, 1971 in Kuala Lumpur. Its goal is to ensure Southeast Asia remains free from any form of interference by external powers, a strategically neutral approach that was very important during the Cold War era. It is described as a doctrine highly relevant in the current geopolitical context, where Asean countries maintain the principle of neutrality while encouraging dialogue and the participation of major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia, without compromising regional sovereignty and autonomy. The 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held over four days in Kuala Lumpur, focused on strengthening regional cooperation and jointly addressing global geopolitical and economic challenges. According to Mohamad, the successful organisation of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings by Malaysia as Asean Chair 2025 demonstrates that the bloc continues to be respected and trusted by the world's major powers. — Bernama
Irish Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Who is Catherine Connolly? The outspoken left-wing campaigner running for president
Left-wing Independent TD Catherine Connolly has never held back when it comes to expressing her views, whether on Irish neutrality, women's rights or the war in Gaza. In May, she commented regarding the Government's plans to scrap the triple lock for deploying troops overseas that Ireland's neutrality is threatened 'by the warmongering military industrial complex' in Europe. She was vocal in the lead-up to the abortion referendum in 2018, insisting the Eighth Amendment 'simply has to go' and it is 'time to trust women to make decisions'. Just this month in the Dáil she spoke out on the war in Gaza, accusing Israel of being a 'genocidal state'. READ MORE The Gaeilgeoir Galway West TD, who turns 68 this month, is expected to get enough nominations from the Oireachtas to feature on the ballot paper in this year's presidential election. A barrister and clinical psychologist, she is widely respected by many in politics. However, Connolly can also be a divisive figure. An ally of former MEPs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace , she can expect to face questions on a trip she took with them to Syria during dictator Bashar al-Assad 's time in power. [ Catherine Connolly says she plans to launch presidential election bid next week Opens in new window ] There is also no love lost between her and her former party, Labour . She was elected to Galway City Council in 1999, but left the party in 2006 when it denied her a chance to run in the 2007 general election as Michael D Higgins 's running mate. Now she hopes to succeed Mr Higgins as president. First elected to the Dáil in 2016, Ms Connolly said at the time that Labour had 'lost its soul'. Regardless of the history, the party has invited her to address members next week as part of the nominations process. Ultimately, she will likely not need Labour's backing to reach the requirement of 20 TDs' and Senators' support to enter the race for Áras an Uachtaráin. Connolly served and Leas-Cheann Comhairle in the last Dáil and she remains a prominent member of the Dáil's powerful Public Accounts Committee (PAC) . [ The presidential race is (finally) hotting up as one serious contender throws her hat in ring Opens in new window ] A frequent critic of successive governments, there was little chance that Connolly would be involved in Coalition formation talks after the last election. She said at the time she did not think Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael would 'seriously engage' with her on 'radical change' in housing policy and other issues, such as her opposition to US troops using Shannon. Should she be successful in her election bid, it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that this outspoken figure could cause headaches to the Government during her term in office.
