Explaining Northern Ireland

This is a bold and timely analysis of the conflict in Northern Ireland, offering a comprehensive, up-to-date and constructively critical evaluation of the massive outpouring of literature on the subject. John McGarry and Brendan O'Leary examine the most common explanations of the conflict - nationalist, unionist, Marxist, religious, cultural and economic - highlighting their shortcomings and placing Northern Ireland within a comparative context. Synthesizing their conclusions, the authors advance a realistic but imaginative prognosis for conflict-resolution in this most troubled region.

Acknowledgements. Introduction: Explanations and Images. Part I: External Explanations:. 1. Nationalist Discourses. 2. Green Political Economy. 3. Unionist Discourses. 4. Revisionist Marxism. Part II: Internal Explanations: . 5. Warring Gods: Theological Tales. 6. Fiery Values: Cultural Interpretations. 7. Mammon and Utility: Liberal Economic Reasonings. Part III: Synthesis and Futures:. 8. No Place Apart: Comparative Political Analysis. 9. Pain-killers, Panaceas and Solvents. 10. Afterword. Appendix A: The Joint Declaration for Peace (December 1993). Appendix B: Analysis of the Text of the Joint Peace Declaration. Notes. Additional References. Glossary and Terminology. Abbreviations. Name Index. Subject Index.