Northern Ireland: Politics of War and Peace

Catalog description

This course focuses on "the Troubles" in Northern Ireland from 1969 to the present beginning with historical background that emphasizes England's role from the 17th century through the present. It examines the 20th century conflict primarily as a national liberation struggle against a sectarian regime in the North supported by England. The course follows a chronological format starting with the civil rights marches in the late 1960s, the state repression that followed and subsequent community responses including the hunger strikes and electoral campaigns. It concludes with the peace process and grassroots efforts by former paramilitaries from both Catholic and Protestant communities to work together on issues of common concern.