Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Ireland has nearly abandoned its traditional role as a major contributor to UN peacekeeping and now concentrates its efforts in support of the EU and NATO. This paper examines this transformation from a global to European-centered policy.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: With an historic devolved government in operation, it is salient that we look back and ask, what motivated Irish Republicans to turn to terror, while Irish Nationalists � seeking the same goals � remained nonviolent? Both groups engaged in dissent against the British rule in Northern Ireland, but divergent means were followed. Only the Republicans engaged in violence. Through in-depth personal interviews with key players in the �Troubles� and the Northern Ireland Peace Process (including leaders of Northern Irish political parties and members of the Clinton Administration�s Northern Ireland Peace Team), this qualitative comparative case study of nonviolent and violent groups within the Northern Ireland conflict demonstrates certain factors motivated a turn to terror. Our analysis reveals that while grievances and political opportunity structure are variables critical to setting the stage for the modern conflict in Northern Ireland, they do not differentiate between non-violent and violent organizations. Instead, it is perceptions of legitimacy and stake in society that differentiate non-violent and violent organizations, and explain the turn by Irish Republicans to terror.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: In June 2008, the Irish public rejected the EU Constitution in Europe’s only referendum on the document. The purpose of this paper is to examine the official one-month pre-referendum period in order to better understand the debate on both sides and discuss its impact on Irish relations with the EU. Why did the “no” side prevail during the referendum despite a massive government campaign to persuade voters to support the EU Constitution? The paper will examine the arguments of both sides through a discussion of their positions. The pro-constitution position will be evaluated based on the arguments of the government, political parties, and other organizations in support of closer European integration while the anti-constitution side will be evaluated from the arguments of the political parties and groups opposed to Ireland’s participation in a strengthened EU. I visited Ireland for two weeks in May 2008 to observe the pre-referendum debate process on the EU Constitution and this paper will reflect personal observations and conversations with the Irish public as well as information from the pro and con organizations behind of the issue.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Can women and men be equal members of an interdependent peacekeeping team? What are the inhibitors and promoters of this equal membership? By asking ‘where are the women?’ my paper aims to build on Enloe’s groundbreaking research in International Relations (1989) by identifying the places where women are involved in peacekeeping and making visible their contribution and agency alongside men. In particular, my paper asks if there are differences in the way duties and tasks are assigned and implemented, by male and female officers, and if so, the impact of these differences on the mission outcome? Having recently conducted 20 qualitative interviews with women and men officers in the Irish Permanent Defence Forces and having observed their performance on a peacekeeping mission, this paper discusses women’s contribution to peacekeeping and the issues raised by their presence.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The present paper will take a look at one of the most crucial events at the naissance of the 'Troubles' in Northern Ireland, the split in the Irish Republican Movement of 1969/1970. This split led to the formation of the Republican group commonly referred to as the Provisional IRA. However in order to fully comprehend the split in the armed movement there must also be an understanding of the divisions in the organisation�s political branch, Sinn Fein. The paper will regard these parallel splits as being examples of both engagement and of disengagement. Both engagement and disengagement are gradual processes and therefore the debates, changes and actions of the Republican Movement dating back to the end of the �Border Campaign� in 1962 and the beginning of what was known as the Goulding leadership will be analysed for the influence which they had in the lead up to the split. The paper will examine debates within the movement on the abstentionist policy, sectarianism and the continuation of armed conflict. These debates can be regarded as an internal discourse within the movement as a whole. While a split in the IRA and Sinn Fein may have been inevitable the magnitude of this split was exacerbated by significant external events. Some of these events will also be analysed.