Troubled Sleep: Risk and Resilience in Contemporary Northern Ireland

The risk of a return to violent conflict in Northern Ireland is growing, as identity politics prevail over democracy, a paralysis in governance leads to a political vacuum for extremist voices to exploit, de facto social segregation becomes normalized, acclimatization to violence becomes a generational legacy, and questions of who we are become secondary to who we are not.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 304 pages
\n Publication date: 29 September 2021
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
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In the present-day Northern Ireland, more than two decades after the historic peace agreement that brought an end to the thirty-year sectarian violence known as the Troubles, the risk of a return to violent conflict remains a pressing concern, and it is indeed escalating. This comprehensive analysis is based on extensive ethnographic fieldwork, comparative research, and over 110 hours of in-depth face-to-face interviews with a diverse range of political, academic, civil society, and community actors across Northern Ireland. Through the lens of this study, A Troubled Sleep delves into one of the world's most deeply divided societies, exploring the current vulnerabilities and points of resilience of Northern Ireland as an allegedly post-conflict society.

By examining the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland, the author offers profound insights into the consequences of identity politics prevailing over democratic principles, the vulnerability created by a paralysis in governance, the normalization of de facto social segregation, the intergenerational transmission of acclimatization to violence, and the prioritization of identity over collective identity. This study sheds light on the complex dynamics that contribute to the perpetuation of conflict and the challenges faced by societies striving to overcome historical divisions.

In conclusion, A Troubled Sleep serves as a valuable contribution to the understanding of post-conflict societies and the complexities of peacebuilding. Through its detailed examination of Northern Ireland's experiences, the book provides valuable lessons and insights that can be applied to other contexts facing similar challenges. It underscores the importance of addressing identity politics, promoting governance effectiveness, fostering social cohesion, and addressing the legacies of violence to build sustainable and inclusive societies.

\n Weight: 668g\n
Dimension: 166 x 241 x 35 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780190095574\n \n