Northern Ireland Conflict: A Beginner's Guide

"Lively and accessible. One of the best guides yet to the divisions which afflict Northern Ireland. Accurate and engaging." Jonathan Tonge - Professor of Politics, University of Liverpool, and author of Sinn Fein and the SDLP: From Alienation to Participation"A fresh and passionate contribution. (It] deserves as wide a readership as possible." Arthur Aughey - Professor or Politics, University of Ulster, and author of the Politics of Northern Ireland: Beyond the Belfast Agreement"A fine work. Essential reading for anyone concerned with the political, social, and historical elements of the conflict." Martin Dillon - Author of The Shankill Butchers and former BBC journalistThe Northern Ireland conflict is one of the most protracted, bitter, and complex campaigns of terrorism the Western world has ever seen. Since the watershed of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, the region has come a long way, finally achieving a hard-won peace. Yet, despite former enemies now coming together in government, hostility between Unionists and Nationalists is as strong as ever, communities remain divided, and sectarian violence is rife.Covering all the key events and players, and using new evidence from recently released archives, this balanced introduction skilfully dissects the `Troubles' to offer a fresh perspective on their complicated history and legacy. Containing interviews with influential figures from both communities, this landmark work will help anyone seeking a better understanding of the ongoing dispute over Northern Ireland.