The Role of Political Discourse in Conflict Transformation: Evidence from Northern Ireland

This article introduces this volume by constructing a model for analysing political discourse as an instrument of conflict and peace, drawing on evidence from the Northern Ireland case. It identifies three processes, or stages, in a peace process in which political discourse can play a unique and crucial role: (i) the construction of a (conceptual) framework within which negotiations can take place, (ii) the facilitation of agreement between moderate and extreme positions, and (iii) the forging of common ground. The motivating thesis of this research is that discourse analysis is a vital resource for deepening our knowledge of why, how and when violence can erupt and peace can be built

'Categorically clear': what being outside a customs union with the EU will mean for post-Brexit UK

Being outside a customs union with the EU will mean that costs of many goods will be higher, risks associated with trade will be greater, and borders (including with Ireland) will have to be harder. Katy Hayward (Queen's University Belfast) cautions about the consequences for British businesses and consumers of this new statement of intention from the British government

The Irish border is not a technical issue but a political one

At this stage of the exit negotiations, the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic is not a technical issue but a political one, argues Katy Hayward (Queen's University Belfast). She explains exactly why the Northern Irish/Irish issue is a block preventing the Brexit talks from progressing, and provides suggestions on how to shift it. It is quite clear from communications from the EU ..

Who really cares about Northern Ireland?

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement. Katy Hayward (Queens University Belfast) considers the current debate about whether Brexit is a threat to peace and stability in Northern Ireland. She argues that the obsession with avoiding physical infrastructure at the border represents a very limited view of where risks to the peace process might come from

The Protocol & lack of consent: the British government continues to gaslight Northern Ireland

Katy Hayward explains why the British government continues to gaslight Northern Ireland when it comes to Brexit. She argues that London needs to tread carefully when it comes to the democratic consent of Northern Ireland

A hard Irish border is quite possible, a frictionless one is an oxymoron

The prospects for 'frictionless' and 'invisible' solutions for the Irish border after Brexit are limited. Dr Katy Hayward (Queen's University Belfast) outlines a 'practical' summary of the difference that would be made by a 'hard' Brexit to the movement of goods across the Irish border

Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol: the EU must play the long-game

Northern Ireland is now officially still in the customs territory of the UK and still an integral part of the UK internal market. Consequently, the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol that regulates this state of affairs is no ordinary international arrangement. Recent moves from the UK side have not been welcome by the EU. It is frustrated at the lack of readiness, compliance and, now, the trustworthiness of the UK. It, must, however, play the long-game, claims Katy Hayward (Queen’s University Belfast)