Introduction

Abstract

This introductory chapter discusses the theme of this volume, which is about Irish foreign policy. This volume considers Ireland's relationship with Great Britain and argues that the roots of Irish foreign policy are to be found in the inevitable fixation of Irish foreign policy makers with their closest neighbour. It suggests that national identity is a process rather than a fixed state and that the significance of the relationship between identity and foreign policy is not restricted to areas of political interest. This volume also presents four narratives related to Irish foreign policy.