Learning behind Bars: How IRA Prisoners Shaped the Peace Process in Ireland

Learning behind Bars is an oral history of former Irish republican prisoners in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland between 1971 and 2000, exploring how political education and resistance shaped their intellectual positions and led to the acceptance of the peace process.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Learning Behind Bars is an oral history that delves into the lives of former Irish republican prisoners in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, spanning from 1971, the year internment was introduced, to 2000, when the high-security Long Kesh Detention Centre/HM Prison Maze closed. Dieter Reinisch, the author, explores the profound impact of politically motivated prisoners on the resolution of armed conflicts, as well as their personal and political growth during their incarcerations. Through extensive life-story interviews with Irish Republican Army (IRA) ex-prisoners, the book sheds light on how these radical activists developed their intellectual positions through the interplay of political education and resistance. It provides valuable insights into how prisoners utilized their experiences to initiate the debates that ultimately contributed to the acceptance of the peace process in Northern Ireland.

Learning Behind Bars is a politically relevant and instructive work that highlights the immense value of education, politics, and resistance in the most challenging social environments. It serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who have faced adversity and fought for a better future. The book offers a profound understanding of the complexities of the Irish conflict and the role that education, politics, and resistance played in shaping its resolution.

By examining the personal stories of these prisoners, Learning Behind Bars provides a humanizing perspective on the conflict. It sheds light on the hardships, sacrifices, and resilience of those who were willing to stand up against injustice and oppression. The book also highlights the power of education and political activism in transforming individuals and communities. Through their intellectual pursuits and resistance, prisoners were able to challenge the dominant narratives and advocate for a more inclusive and peaceful society.

Moreover, Learning Behind Bars offers valuable lessons for policymakers and society as a whole. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting dialogue and understanding. It highlights the need for education and political empowerment to empower individuals and communities to participate in the democratic process and contribute to the resolution of conflicts.

In conclusion, Learning Behind Bars is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the lives and experiences of former Irish republican prisoners. It provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the conflict, the role of education, politics, and resistance in shaping its resolution, and the importance of these values in building a more inclusive and peaceful society. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Irish conflict and the power of education, politics, and resistance in achieving social change.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 235 x 159 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487545826