The School of Law and Government hosted a lecture entitled “Understanding a Turbulent World: Celebrating 20 Years of International Studies at DCU” to mark the 20th anniversary of the MA in International Relations, which was the first masters programme of its kind in Ireland. The lecture was given by the Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett, on September 19th at DCU’s Glasnevin campus. He spoke on the complexity of multiple security challenges today, and the role of the Irish military on the international stage, including peacekeeping and naval rescue missions in the Mediterranean. He also addressed the threat of climate change in particular to Africa, and the importance of institutionalising a gender perspective in the armed forces. The full speech is available here (PDF). 

The event was attended by a large audience of current staff, former staff, many alumni from the past 20 years, as well as students just beginning their studies for the 2017-18 academic year.

Also speaking on the night were the President of DCU, Prof Brian MacCraith, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof John Doyle,  and Law and Government Head of School, Prof Gary Murphy. Prof MacCraith formally presented Prof Maura Conway with the President’s Research Award in Humanities and Social Sciences. Prof Conway was attending the International Studies Association Conference in Baltimore, USA, at the time of the official ceremony for award winners last February.

Vice-Admiral Mellet’s full speech can be viewed at this link (PDF).