Friends and Enemies: The Allies and Neutral Ireland in the Second World War

During the Second World War, Anglo-American efforts to overturn Ireland's neutrality policy explored unexamined emotional, personal, and gendered politics, focusing on the roles of personal friendships and enmities and competing masculine ideologies among national leaders.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 264 pages
\n Publication date: 17 August 2021
\n Publisher: Manchester University Press
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This intricate history of Anglo-American efforts to undermine Ireland's neutrality policy during World War II adds a layer of complexity to the overarching narrative of the Western Alliance's confrontation with the Axis Powers. By delving into relatively unexplored emotional, personal, and gendered politics that shaped policymaking and alliance relations, Friends and Enemies sheds light on the nuanced dynamics that underpinned these crucial diplomatic endeavors.

Diplomatic history takes center stage in this book, with a strong reliance on archival documentation providing a rich source of information. However, Friends and Enemies goes beyond traditional diplomatic analysis by incorporating new theoretical perspectives that highlight the significant roles played by personal friendships and enmities, as well as competing masculine ideologies among national leaders. The book brings together a diverse cast of characters, including Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt, and Eamon de Valera, along with their close foreign policy advisers in London, Washington, DC, and Dublin. These individuals played pivotal roles in constructing national identities and defining the unique relationships between their nations during the time of war.

Through their interactions and negotiations, the book explores how personal relationships and ideological clashes shaped the course of international diplomacy. It examines how national leaders sought to align their countries with the Allied Powers while balancing their own domestic interests and geopolitical considerations. The book also sheds light on the challenges and complexities faced by policymakers as they navigated the delicate balance between maintaining neutrality and supporting the Allied cause, particularly in the face of German aggression and Soviet influence.

One of the key themes of Friends and Enemies is the role of gender in shaping policymaking and alliance relations. The book argues that the Second World War was a period when traditional gender roles were challenged and redefined, as women took on increasingly important roles in politics and diplomacy. It explores how female leaders, such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Margaret Thatcher, influenced their male counterparts and contributed to the formation of the Allied Powers. At the same time, it also examines the ways in which gender biases and stereotypes impacted policymaking and the treatment of women and minorities during the war.

Another important aspect of the book is its examination of the emotional and psychological dimensions of diplomacy. It explores how personal relationships and emotional bonds between leaders influenced their decision-making and the formation of alliances. The book also sheds light on the psychological toll that war takes on individuals and the ways in which it shapes their perceptions and actions. By examining the emotional dynamics of diplomacy, Friends and Enemies provides a deeper understanding of the complex and often unpredictable nature of international relations.

In conclusion, Friends and Enemies is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the history of Anglo-American efforts to undermine Ireland's neutrality policy during World War II. By combining diplomatic history with new theoretical insights, the book provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex and multifaceted politics that shaped this critical period of global history. Through its examination of personal relationships, gender roles, and emotional dynamics, Friends and Enemies sheds light on the nuanced and often overlooked aspects of policymaking and alliance relations. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of international history and will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of the 20th century.

\n Weight: 550g\n
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526157294\n \n