Ethno-nationalist conflict, participation and human rights-based solidarity in Northern Ireland

Abstract

This article discusses the potential for human rights principles and practices to provide a foundation for building cross-community solidarity between the 'two communities' of Northern Ireland through an analysis of two case studies. The article draws on ethnographic and interview data collected in Belfast between 2005 and 2009. It begins with a theoretical examination of the relationship between two important concepts in the study of ethno-nationalist conflict and reconciliation -loyalty and solidarity. It then examines ways in which participation in human rights activities both recognises and challenges particularistic loyalties in divided communities, providing a foundation for an emergent solidarity between local communities. Finally the article proposes a theoretical model of 'thick' and 'thin' solidarity as a way of understanding these processes in the context of the ongoing Northern Ireland peace process.

Civil society, solidarity and collective action: Conflict-related displacement in Northern Ireland's Troubles, 1969–1974

“…While scholars of social movements focus much of their analyses on resource mobilisation, networks, political opportunity and structures, solidarity is increasingly utilised as a useful concept for understanding processes of group formation and collective action from both a theoretical and policy perspective, particularly within processes of ethnic formation (Lamb, 2013). Though solidarity remains a rather opaque term (Panter-Brick, 2021), it is typically defined by three key features: standing together in the face of risk or threats; expressing support for each other's interests and sharing values and willingness to join forces in collective action (Dawson and Verweij, 2012: 1).…”

Reflecting on a Difficult Past Does Not Influence Pro-Environmental Attitudes or Behaviours

“…Northern Ireland demonstrates such a historical context in the form of The Troubles, an ethno-nationalist, sectarian conflict that largely began in 1962 and formally concluded in 1998 with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, though sporadic and isolated conflict continues to date (Lynch and Joyce, 2018). The period was characterised by the regular occurrence of traumatic events such as bombs, shootings, kidnapping and beatings (Lamb, 2013), resulting in over 3,500 deaths, tens of thousands of injuries (Cunningham and Gregory, 2014) and associated mental health difficulties, with Northern Ireland having one of the highest per capita rates of PTSD globally (Bunting et al, 2011). Despite the influence of national context on environmental tendencies, and the physical, psychological, and political impact of The Troubles, the relationship between The Troubles and pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours has never been studied.…”

Consolidation of rural municipal communities as a problem of mass consciousness of the population

“…Research on the consolidation of M. Lam is based on the study of the general values of society. In her opinion, the subject of human rights is the basis for a dialogue on the formation of common values [13]. British researcher S. Condor believes that in order to achieve the consolidation of society, a model of citizenship is needed, taking into account all the interests of society [14].…”