Ireland, Africa and the End of Empire : Small state identity in the Cold War, 1955-75

In the twenty years after Ireland joined the UN in 1955, one subject dominated its fortunes: Africa. The first detailed study of Ireland’s relationship with that continent, this book, now available in paperback, documents its special place in Irish history. Adopting a highly original, and strongly comparative approach, it shows how small and middling powers like Ireland, Canada, the Netherlands and the Nordic states used Africa to shape their position in the international system, and how their influence waned with the rise of the Afro-Asian bloc. O’Sullivan chronicles Africa’s impact on Irish foreign policy; the link between African decolonisation and Irish post-colonial identity; and the missionaries, aid workers, diplomats, peacekeepers, and anti-apartheid protesters at the heart of Irish popular understanding of the developing world. Offering a fascinating account of small state diplomacy, and a unique perspective on African decolonisation, this book provides essential insight for scholars of Irish history, African history, international relations, and the history of NGOs, as well as anyone interested in Africa’s important place in the Irish public imagination. IRELAND, AFRICA AND THE END OF EMPIRE: SMALL STATE IDENTITY IN THE COLD WAR 1955–75 1 Half Title Page 2 Title Page 4 Copyright 5 Contents 6 Acknowledgements 7 Abbreviations 10 Introduction 12 1. Unmistakably European: Ireland and the decolonisation of Africa 23 2. Ireland comes of age: Congo, peacekeeping and foreign policy 46 3. On the side of the angels: The birth of the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement 72 4. Biafra: Ireland, Nigeria and the politics of civil war 94 5. Concern for Africa: The Biafran humanitarian crisis 118 6. ‘Boks Amach’: Southern Africa, popular protest and foreign policy 143 7. Re-shaping the relationship: Ireland, the EC and southern Africa 169 8. ‘If we’re Christians at all’: Irish foreign aid 193 Conclusion 215 References 226 Index 237 In the 20 years after Ireland joined the UN in 1955, one subject dominated its fortunes: Africa. The first detailed study of Ireland's relationship with that continent, this book documents its special place in Irish history