Irish Diplomacy at the United Nations 1945-65: National Interests and the International Order

Irish diplomacy at the United Nations in the post-war era constitutes a compelling chapter in the history of Irish foreign policy. In this period the Irish delegation played a highly visible, constructive role in the General Assembly. Memorable figures like Frank Aiken, Freddy Boland, Eamon Kennedy, Conor Cruise OÃ?Â?Ã?Â-Brien and Maire MacEntee pursued IrelandÃ?Â?Ã?Â-s interests and, simultaneously, contributed to the international order. They mitigated Cold War tensions; fostered decolonization efforts in Africa and Asia; supported the UN when the Soviet Union launched a vicious assault on the world body; facilitated Irish participation in the Congo peacekeeping operation; and sponsored several initiatives to do with troop withdrawal from Central Europe, the defence of human rights in Tibet, and the nuclear non-proliferation.