Conflict at the interface: local community divisions and hegemonic forces in Northern Ireland

In: Internationale Politik 34

Abstract

More than two decades after the Northern Ireland peace agreement, conflict still flares between deprived Protestant/Unionist/ Loyalist and Catholic/Nationalist/Republican working-class interface communities, who remain divided by numerous 'peace walls'. In light of Brexit, the Irish border issue and the power-sharing impasse progress in local peacebuilding has stalled. This might even jeopardise the overall peace process. Within this context, this book explores, largely empirically, the nature and causes of conflict at the interface. An attempt is also made to provide an outlook on peace in Northern Ireland and to highlight potential lessons for other conflict-ridden, divided societies.