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Contributor:

Professor Brendan O’Leary

Talk Title

Partition in Comparative Perspective

Talk Synopsis:

This talk places the Partition of Ireland in a comparative international context. It describes some of what was happening elsewhere in Europe at the same time and looks at the background and effects of the ‘two partitions in 1920: of Ireland and of Ulster.’ It notes that ‘few modern partitions have endured’ and explores the arguments that have been advanced for them and their application in different places, including Ireland. It suggests that conflict ‘in and over Northern Ireland over the last century may be correctly attributed both to partition itself and to the imperfection of the partition’. And it makes a case for how (in both general and specific terms) ‘partitions generate security dilemmas… pushing conflict downstream’, concluding that ‘prudence… mandates opposing partition in policymaking and placing the burden of proof on its advocates.’

Short Biography:

Brendan O'Leary is the current Lauder Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania.

Further Reading:

A Treatise on Northern Ireland, (Vol 1, Chapter 7, and Vol 2, Chapters 1 and 2) – Brendan O’Leary
The Partition of Ireland, 1911-1925 – Michael Laffan
The History of Partition, 1912-1925 – Denis Gwynn

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