The world feels more uncertain than ever. Across continents, the international order is shifting, reshaping itself in ways we can’t yet fully grasp. A century ago, the global landscape was redrawn in the wake of war and upheaval. Now, it seems we are standing at the edge of another realignment, one that is moving faster than we can anticipate.
We once believed that progress and knowledge would shield us from such uncertainty. That learning from the past would keep history from repeating itself. Never before have so many people had access to so much information, and yet, paradoxically, never have so many felt so in the dark. We consume fragments, snippets, half-truths, leaving us with an incomplete picture of what is really unfolding.
Here, on the western edge of Europe, we may feel removed from the chaos of global politics, but we are not insulated from its effects. The tides of change will reach our shores, whether we are ready or not. Ireland, Galway and the west of Ireland stand at a crossroads, facing new realities that demand urgent decisions—on energy, sustainability, security. The recent storms that battered our coastline served as a stark reminder of our vulnerabilities. A single night of violent winds left thousands without power, isolated in darkness. But what if the disruption were not natural? What if it were sustained, deliberate—an attack on our communications, our infrastructure, our food and water supply?
For too long, we have relied on our geographical position as both a shield and an excuse. But in this shifting world, distance is no longer a protection. The notion of Ireland as a neutral observer, untouched by the greater struggles of our time, is fading. We are more connected than ever, woven into the fabric of international alliances and dependencies.
It is no longer enough to simply send a bowl of shamrock to Washington each March and assume goodwill will follow. The reality has changed. Our friends in high places are keeping their heads down, navigating their own crises. We can no longer afford complacency, assuming others will look out for us.
We need to make strong, deliberate choices about our future. Renewable energy is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Resilient infrastructure is no longer a long-term aspiration—it is an immediate priority. The west of Ireland has always been a place of resilience, of reinvention. It must be again.
A century ago, the world reshaped itself. Now, we must decide how we will shape our place within it.
