Civil Society, Peacebuilding, and Economic Assistance in Northern Ireland

'An outstanding and novel contribution to the field of peace scholarship and practice. The work of Dr. Sean Byrne offers a nuanced, comprehensive, and insightful perspective on the historical complexities and challenges of peace in Northern Ireland. It methodically explicates the multilevel nature of peacebuilding by focusing on civil society’s exemplary ways of integrating third party assistance in peacebuilding that is representative, equitable and localized. His work also furnishes a compelling argument challenging third parties to intentionally tap into local civil society organizations as an imperative agency in attaining sustainable peace. At a time of regressive and polarizing trends, Sean Byrne’s work is a must read for policy leaders, academics, journalists, and citizens.' Professor Harry Anastasiou, International Peace and Conflict Studies, Portland State University, USA 'Sean Byrne demonstrates an intimate and profound understanding of the conflict in Northern Ireland through a complex and fascinating analysis of the nature, effects and disconnects of liberal peacebuilding in relation to local actors and needs. This unique work explains why a sectarian ethnonationalist divide resists integration and reconciliation in spite of significant peacebuilding efforts.' Ronald J. Fisher, Professor Emeritus of International Peace and Conflict Resolution, School of International Service, American University, Washington, DC, USA