The Political Economy of Sustainable Peacebuilding in Northern Ireland

Authors

Ireoluwatomi Oloke
Sean Byrne

Abstract

This work examines the role equitable economic development plays in ensuring the sustainability of peacebuilding processes. In so doing, it illuminates how economic inequality in a conflict-affected region can intensify unrest and distrust within and between communities. This paper begins by highlighting the context of the Northern Ireland conflict and its historical roots. Next, we explore how socioeconomic and political inequality contributes to the emergence and sustenance of varying levels of conflict. We also consider the importance of addressing these inequalities as an essential part of peacebuilding and development approaches that seek to be sustainable. The paper’s final section outlines the findings from the analysis of the data collected and suggests that effective and sustainable peacebuilding in Northern Ireland must entail such a process involving businesses that facilitate equitable development as well as providing opportunities for the socioeconomically excluded to acquire employment and training.

Recommended Citation

Oloke, Ireoluwatomi and Byrne, Sean (2021) "The Political Economy of Sustainable Peacebuilding in Northern Ireland," International Journal of Peace Studies: Vol. 26: No. 2, Article 3.
Available at: https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/ijps/vol26/iss2/3