Whitaker Institute member Prof Ray Murphy, of the Conflict, Humanitarianism and Security Cluster, has written a new piece for RTÉ Brainstorm. The article looks at the presence of the Russian navy off of Ireland’s coast.

Why are Russian naval and air forces setting up off the Irish coast?

Russian naval units holding an exercise in October 2021. Photo: Yuri Smityuk/TASS via Getty Images

Analysis: while these Russian military exercises do not violate international law, they are linked to a risky game of brinkmanship

The decision by Russia to conduct naval and air force exercises, which include live firing of missiles and other armaments, off the west coast of Cork next month has become a serious source of concern for Ireland. Naval exercises and firing practices are part of the regular training requirements of all military forces, including the Irish navy. However, this is happening in the context of the build-up of Russian forces along the border with Ukraine and at a time of serious tensions between Russia and European states and the US.

The exercise will take place in what is part of Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone. This area may be described as a maritime zone beyond and adjacent to the territorial sea over which the coastal state has sovereign rights over economic resources, while other states enjoy freedoms of navigation and overflight. It means that naval forces of other states enjoy high seas freedoms, including navigation and the right to conduct military exercises. Continue reading…