The President's comments come ahead of the Government's Consultative Forum on International Security.
The President says Ireland is "playing with fire" during a dangerous period of "drift" in foreign policy towards NATO.
In an interview with the Business Post, Michael D Higgins has warned about moving away from Ireland's traditional policy of "positive neutrality".
His comments come ahead of the Government's Consultative Forum on International Security, which meets next week in Cork, Galway, and in Dublin.
The President says the country is 'burying itself in other people's agendas' - and has also questioned the timing of more investment in the Defence Forces ahead of reform.

First All-Island University Announced
Garda Spending Report Flags Several Areas Concern
Kildare Students Receive Awards In European Parliament Ambassador School Awards
Investigations Continue Following Fatal Assault Of Woman In Waterford
Two Men Arrested In Connection With The Death Of Scarlett Faulkner
Clane Development Among Thousands Of Fast-Track Homes Stuck In Planning Limbo
Ministers To Update Cabinet On Fuel Support Scheme
Kildare South To Receive Newly Sanctioned Special Class