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Theoretical concepts of partition and the partitioning of Ireland
Author(s)
Date Issued
2006
Date Available
2010-07-28T16:15:24Z
Abstract
The circumstances concerning the partitioning of Ireland do not fit easily with patterns observed in other examples. The evolving bases of partition between 1912 and 1925 varied significantly with regard to geography, political status, and function. Also, the presence of the third party in partitions is not strictly applicable to Ireland as Britain was both an external and internal party in the Irish equation. Partition is an intrinsically abstract and simplistic blunt instrument applied on a complex mosaic of peculiarities that constitute reality. There are very few modern states that are ethnically or culturally homogenous. In this context, partition is a subjective territorial tactic that treats symptoms of historical, political, and geographical difficulties. Hence, isolating politics, economics, history, or any other single perspective for analysis is likely to yield only limited insight, as they are not isolated in reality. The paper concludes that ultimately, notwithstanding the definitions and categories of partitions that have been devised, not only is each case of partition unique but subject to differing interpretations. In this regard, Ireland is a prime example.
Sponsorship
Not applicable
Type of Material
Working Paper
Publisher
University College Dublin. Institute for British-Irish Studies
Series
IBIS Working Papers
67
MFPP Working Papers
17
Copyright (Published Version)
The author, 2006
Subject – LCSH
Ireland--History--Partition, 1921
Partition, Territorial
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
Conference Details
Revised version of a paper produced at a workshop on “The impact of the border on Irish society” as part of the programme Mapping frontiers, plotting pathways: routes to North-South cooperation in a divided island, University College Dublin, 17 February
2005.
ISSN
1649-0304
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
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