Ben Tonra

Ben Tonra is a Full Professor of International Relations at University College Dublin (UCD), School of Politics and International Relations. He holds a PhD from Trinity College Dublin and has previously served at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Trinity College Dublin, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington DC. His research focuses on European Union foreign and security policy, Irish foreign policy, and international relations theory. Tonra has held leadership roles, including Director of UCD’s Institute for British-Irish Studies (2017–2020) and Chair of the Royal Irish Academy’s Standing Committee on International Affairs.

Education: BA and MA from National Institute for Higher Education Limerick (now UL), PhD from Trinity College Dublin (1996).

Research Interests:

• EU foreign, security, and defense policy dynamics
• Irish foreign policy evolution and EU membership implications
• International relations theory, particularly normative frameworks
• Brexit’s impact on UK-Irish-EU relations

Grants & Awards:

• Marie Curie Visiting Professorship (2007)
• Ad personam Jean Monnet Chair (2003–present)
• UCD President’s Research Fellowship (2004)

Teaching & Engagement: Coordinates modules on EU foreign policy, Irish diplomacy, and global security at UCD. Advocates for student-centered pedagogy and educational technology integration. Active in policy circles as a Distinguished Fellow at the Azure Forum and Director of the Irish Defence and Security Association (volunteer role).

Labs/Teams: Leads research projects on EU-Ireland-UK security cooperation and Brexit implications through the UCD School of Politics and International Relations.