Beyond the Troubles: Politics and Placemaking in the ‘New Northern Ireland'

Thursday 1 February 2024, 6.00 - 7.30pm
Rendall Building, Lecture Theatre 7, University of Liverpool

Launch event for "Power, Politics and Territory in the ‘New Northern Ireland’" by Dr Elizabeth DeYoung

To mark the launch of Dr Elizabeth DeYoung's book Power, Politics and Territory in the ‘New Northern Ireland’ the Institute of Irish Studies, University of Liverpool is co-hosting an event with the Heseltine Institute. 

In the wake of the Good Friday Agreement, the redevelopment of the former Girdwood Army Barracks in North Belfast was hailed as a ‘symbol of hope’ for Northern Ireland. It was a major investment in a former conflict zone and an internationally significant peacebuilding project. But instead of adhering to the tenets of the Agreement, sectarianism dominated the regeneration agenda. This ethnography provides a lively account of Girdwood’s redevelopment and a wry critique of the fractious political context around it. Through flânerie and encounter, the author brings us across peace walls, into community meetings and behind the scenes of decision-making in Northern Ireland. Girdwood’s story also sheds light on how power, politics and territory intersect in divided cities globally.

The launch will take the form of a conversation between Dr DeYoung (University of Pennsylvania) and Dr Eleonore Perrin (Queens University, Belfast), chaired by Sue Jarvis, Co-Director of the Heseltine Institute. The launch will conclude with a book signing during which refreshments will be served.

Please sign up to attend via the Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/790955618547