Ireland's Changing Security Landscape: Lessons from Season 1

<p>Over the past three months, #STANDEASY has explored the major defence and security challenges shaping Ireland&#39;s strategic environment through conversations with historians, academics, former senior military officers, former intelligence professionals, legal scholars and national security experts.</p><p>In this special Season 1 finale, Dr Ed Burke returns to the podcast to step back from the individual interviews and examine the recurring themes that emerged throughout the series.</p><p>Together, we discuss:</p><p>• the absence of a National Security Strategy<br>• neutrality: identity versus policy<br>• geography: from shield to liability<br>• who is responsible for national security<br>• capability gaps and strategic resilience<br>• operating in the grey zone<br>• whether Ireland will only act after a strategic shock</p><p>Rather than revisiting previous episodes, this discussion explores what these conversations collectively tell us about Ireland&#39;s changing security landscape, and where the State may need to adapt in the years ahead.</p><p>This episode concludes <strong>Season 1</strong> of STANDEASY.</p><p>A sincere thank you to all of our guests for generously sharing their expertise throughout the season, and to you, our listeners, for your support, encouragement and engagement.</p><p>STANDEASY will return in <strong>October</strong> with a new season, new guests and more discussions exploring defence, security and Ireland&#39;s place in an increasingly complex world.</p><p><strong>If you&#39;re new to STANDEASY, the complete Season 1 Threats Series is now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.</strong></p>