Conference at Maynooth, 30-31 October 2025. "Beyond the Anglosphere. Maritime strategy and policy beyond the English speaking world"

This conference is the launch event for a research project designed to explore maritime strategy and policy ‘beyond the Anglosphere’. The project is the result of a collaboration between the Centre for Military History and Strategic Studies (CMHSS) at Maynooth University and the Escola de Guerra Naval (EGN) (Brazilian Naval War College).

The aim of the project, and of this conference, is to develop a deeper understanding of maritime strategy and policy by exploring theory and practice beyond the dominant narrative that is most commonly explored and expressed through the English language. We aim to share viewpoints and insights from multiple countries and regions ‘beyond the Anglosphere’, addressing these within their own right rather than interpreting them through the lens provided by a traditional ‘Anglo-centric’ approach. Through this project we will promote understanding of the true complexity of global theory and practice, grounded in non-English language debates and sources, and foster engagement with a topic that is richer and more complex than one might suspect from a mono-lingual perspective.

The conference is organised into a series of panels, arranged thematically, to explore the theory and practice of maritime strategy, both past and present, in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin American. It brings together speakers from a wider range of different countries, with different backgrounds, to address a very broad range of topics all connected by the idea of exploring aspects of this field that are commonly ignored by anglophone commentaries. It is hoped that the event will spark discussion and debate and, in doing so, enrich our understanding of the different ways in which maritime strategy and security are understood and how they are catered for in different contexts.

The working language for this event will be English, to support our aim of engaging the widest possible audience and introducing those within the Anglosphere to the work of those from without.

Attendance is open to those with an interest in the field and there is no charge. However there are a limited number of spaces. Places can be booked online via Eventbrite.

Maynooth University is situated adjacent to a 12^th century castle in historic Maynooth Town, 25km from Dublin City Centre and 33km from Dublin Airport. It is easily accessible by road and rail, with good public transport links to the city and the airport.

For further information please contact Professor Ian Speller at Anglosphere2025@gmail.com

For details of the programme see https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/history/events