Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Technological University Dublin
- Department: Directorate of Research, Enterprise & Innovation Services
- Research Field: Economics » Business economics
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Positions: PhD Positions
- Application Deadline: 31 Dec 2026 - 18:07 (Europe/Dublin)
- Country: Ireland
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Negotiable
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Since Joseph Nye introduced the concept of soft power, a substantial body of scholarship has examined how states shape international outcomes through attraction, persuasion and reputation rather than coercion. However, this literature has focused overwhelmingly on major powers, where soft power is viewed as a complement to military and economic strength. Comparatively little attention has been paid to small states, for whom soft power may be not merely complementary but the principal means of exercising influence in international affairs.
Ireland provides a compelling case through which to address this gap. Although Ireland has long cultivated an international reputation based on diplomacy, culture, development cooperation and multilateral engagement, there has been little systematic analysis of how these assets function as instruments of soft power. This question has assumed greater importance with the introduction of the Global Ireland strategy, which seeks to expand Ireland's international footprint, strengthen its reputation, and enhance its influence through diplomacy, cultural engagement and international partnerships.
This research will examine how Ireland conceptualises, mobilises and measures soft power within the framework of Global Ireland. It will assess the extent to which the strategy represents a coherent model of small-state influence and evaluate its contribution to Ireland's foreign policy objectives in an increasingly competitive geopolitical environment. In doing so, the project aims to make both an empirical contribution to the study of Irish foreign policy and a broader theoretical contribution to the literature on soft power by demonstrating how small states leverage non-coercive forms of influence in a world increasingly shaped by hard power.
Self Funded (Scholarship not available. Fees & Materials to be paid by the student)
If you are interested in submitting an application for this project, please complete an Expression of Interest.
Where to apply
Website: https://forms.office.com/e/0hCcrv2Gkp
Requirements
Research Field: Economics » Business economics
Education Level: Bachelor Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications: 2.1 Honours Degree or equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed research area.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Additional Information
Benefits: Self Funded (Scholarship not available. Fees & Materials to be paid by the student)
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: TU Dublin
- Country: Ireland
Contact
- City: Dublin
- Website: http://www.tudublin.ie/phd
- Street: TU Dublin - Grangegorman
- E-Mail: [contact details available in the full listing]
