The Long Peace Process: The United States of America and Northern Ireland, 1960-2008

This book explores the role of the US in the Northern Ireland conflict and peace process, including congressional interventions, the ban on weapon sales, and financial support for conflict resolution. It assesses the dynamics of different presidential administrations' approaches to the region.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate and multifaceted role of the United States of America in the Northern Ireland conflict and peace process. It begins by tracing the historical interactions between US figures and Northern Ireland, particularly in the years preceding the outbreak of the Troubles. The author then examines the early interventions of influential Congressional figures, such as Senator Edward Kennedy, and the congressional hearings on Northern Ireland that followed the tragic events of Bloody Sunday, 1972.

In order to understand the origins and consequences of the State Department's decision to ban the sale of weapons to the Royal Ulster Constabulary, the author delves into a detailed analysis of the political, social, and economic factors that shaped the conflict. This decision marked a significant turning point in the US's involvement in Northern Ireland, as it signaled a commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.

The book further explores the evolution of the US role in Northern Ireland through the Reagan administration and the initiation of US financial support for conflict resolution in the form of the International Fund for Ireland. This financial assistance played a crucial role in fostering reconciliation and promoting economic development in Northern Ireland.

The study concludes by assessing the dynamics behind President Clinton's assumption of leadership following his election in 1992 and examining how Presidents Bush and Obama attempted to capitalize on the momentum of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. The book sheds light on the complex interplay of political, economic, and social factors that have influenced the conflict and peace process in Northern Ireland, providing a valuable insight into the ongoing challenges and opportunities for peace and stability in the region.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802076905