An Introduction to the Geopolitics of Conflict, Nationalism, and Reconciliation in Ireland

This fine monograph successfully captures the complexities of the geopolitics of Irish-British relations and nation- and state-making in Ireland. It explores the diverse ways in which political territoriality finds expression in the mutation of ethnonational territorial conflict, the making of internal and external borders, and the crafting of ethnic, national, and sectarian identities as place-identities. Adopting a cross-scalar geographic perspective on Ireland’s geopolitics that spans the region, cities, and their granular public spaces, Dempsey pays close attention to how place and landscape manifest fundamental elements of conflict, nationalism, and peace-building. Based on significant fieldwork and archival research, the book makes important contributions to political and cultural geography. Ultimately, Dempsey’s erudite narrative helps us understand the intricate geopolitical transformation of Ireland at key stages of state formation, after the region’s Europeanist turn and, now, in post-Brexit’s uncertain times. All that is done in a manner accessible to a general audience while providing sophisticated scholarly analysis that would satisfy a broad range of academic readers.

Alex G Papadopoulos, Department of Geography, DePaul University, USA

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the complexity of Ireland’s political geography over the past 100 years. As a decade of centenary commemorations draw to a close, Dempsey’s book is particularly timely. Reflecting on seminal moments from partition to Brexit, 'Geopolitics of Conflict, Nationalism, and Reconciliation in Ireland’ explores the role of geography in ethno-national conflict and identity politics. Beautifully written and expertly framed, it offers a compelling insight into the trajectory of conflict and peacebuilding on this island.

Sara McDowell, School of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Ulster University

This book is an informative, accessible, engaging introduction to the cultural and political geography of Northern Ireland. Drawing on extensive field work and the voices of local people, Kara Dempsey has put together an account that offers telling insights into the ways geopolitical context reflects and shapes ethnonational dynamics in the country. The book would be an excellent resource for courses in Irish Studies, and a valuable complement to more general readings in political geography and European Studies classes.

Alec Murphy, Department of Geography, University of Oregon, USA