Brexit and the Political Economy of Ireland: Creating a New Economic Settlement

The UK's departure from the EU has had a significant impact on Northern Ireland's politics and economics, making it difficult to build an innovative economy and imperiling the advances made since the Belfast Agreement. This book argues for a radical reorientation of the Northern Ireland economy through the incremental creation of an all-Ireland economy, while also considering the political feasibility of Irish unity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The UK's departure from the EU has had a profound impact on the politics and economics of Northern Ireland. Brexit has shattered a political accommodation that was taking shape in the region, involving nationalism and unionism refraining from aggressively pursuing their own objectives or making excessive demands on each other. Economically, it has made the task of building an innovative economy in the region immeasurably more difficult. Without radical change, Northern Ireland is destined to be an economic outhouse of an under-performing UK economy.

This book represents the first systematic study of the impact of Brexit on the political and economic future of Northern Ireland and Ireland. It provides a detailed assessment of the consequences of the Belfast Agreement and highlights how Brexit imperils the advances that have been made since its signing in 1998. It makes a dispassionate assessment of the changes that may be necessary to create a stronger Northern Ireland economy.

On the one hand, demands for the immediate unification of Ireland that are now being made loudly and persistently by nationalists and republicans are considered too precipitous. The two economies on the island are not yet ready for Irish unity. On the other hand, the book argues the case for a radical reorientation of the Northern Ireland economy through the incremental creation of an all-Ireland economy.

The book cuts through the rhetoric that characterizes so much discussion about the Northern Ireland economy and provides a hard-headed appraisal of not only its structure and performance, but also the economic feasibility of Irish unity.

In conclusion, Brexit has had a profound impact on the politics and economics of Northern Ireland. While the immediate demands for Irish unity are considered too precipitous, the book argues the case for a radical reorientation of the Northern Ireland economy through the incremental creation of an all-Ireland economy. This will require a hard-headed appraisal of the economic feasibility of Irish unity and a willingness to address the structural and institutional barriers that hinder economic growth. Only through these measures can Northern Ireland create a stronger, more prosperous economy and build a brighter future for its people.

Weight: 299g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367720636