PhD Project: Soft Power in a Hard World – Ireland’s Global Strategy as a Small-State Model

This PhD project examines the role of soft power in international relations, with a focus on Ireland’s Global Ireland strategy as a model for small states. The research will analyse how Ireland conceptualises, implements, and measures soft power through diplomacy, culture, and international partnerships. The project aims to contribute empirically to Irish foreign policy studies and theoretically to the broader literature on soft power, particularly in an era dominated by hard power dynamics. Applicants will conduct original research under the supervision of Dr. Richard Woodward at Technological University Dublin, contributing to debates on state influence and global governance.

• Conduct original research on how Ireland’s Global Ireland strategy operationalises soft power through diplomacy, culture, and international partnerships.
• Analyse and evaluate the coherence and effectiveness of Ireland’s soft power instruments in an increasingly competitive geopolitical environment.
• Develop empirical contributions to Irish foreign policy studies and theoretical insights into small-state influence.
• Present research findings at academic conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with Dr. Richard Woodward and contribute to broader discussions on statecraft and global governance.