Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland

Boundary Dispute (The Troubles)

This is the fuzzy territorial boundary between the Republic of Ireland
and Northern Ireland, the area of Ireland that is controlled by Great
Britain. The beginning of the borer is marked at Lough Foyle and it
runs to Carlingford Lough (north to northeast Ireland). A person
travelling from one area to the other can drive right past the border,
but find themselves passing through an abrupt change in culture.
Flags from both sides suddenly shift from the Irish flag to the British
flag.
History:
The conflict brewed in the 1960s. A little bit of confusion ensued between the two
groups that manifested itself into a full-blown conflict. The conflict is often
described as the nationalistic group (the Irish) versus the unionist community (the
British). After the Irish War of Independence in the late 1910s, the term The
Troubles was referred to the out coming conflict from this war. The conflict
happened when the unionist community took over the nationalistic community.
The boundary shifted a few times here, but overall hasnt changed much despite
much hostility towards the other group. There is a current peace process that is
respected but people still arent at peace with.

This picture illustrates the boundaries

between the Republic of Ireland and
Northern Ireland.

Present:
Presently, neither side is actively trying to take over the other side by force. If
one group let down its guard, the other would definitely swoop in, but it isnt a
militarized occupation. Right now, the peace process is underway but it isnt

completely recognized. Both sides are very proud of their land and culture. They
dont like the other side because the other side doesnt hold the same beliefs.
Currently, the hostility lies not in where the boundary is drawn, but what happens
when someone enters from the other side and how they are treated. The peace
process is currently preventing people from the other side hurting someone that
is not from their land area that they associate themselves with.

This is the customs house to enter Northern Ireland, you cant just come into the
area willy-nilly. Its strict. You need papers and a reason to enter through either
side. Being cautious is difficult because you are cutting yourself off from
communication of any sort with the other side.

Future:
I think as time wears on, hostility between both sides will increase. But in our
globalized world that is becoming increasing and increasingly more
interconnected, it will become apparent that settling ties on both sides will be
necessary for the development of the two land areas. Politically, it will be difficult
if things go well, because do both areas then reign under the same government?
Would that be under the Irish government or under English government? I think
current boundaries would be an okay area to mark as permanence, but politically
and socially, that boundary needs some work. Being at peace with the border
will help solve the dispute, no matter where the lines are drawn.

This is part of a building as you go into

town in Northern Ireland. This is a hostile
area. They are willing to protect the border
at all costs, although recently they have
been more tolerant.

Sources:
1. Introduction information:
http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-betweenireland-and-northern-ireland/
2. Northern Ireland photo: http://northern-ireland-border.blogspot.com/
3. Border control photo: http://app-aid.com/cgi/conflict-northern-ireland
4. Map photo: http://www.my-secret-northern-ireland.com/basic-facts.html
5. Future of the conflict info:
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/northireland1.html
6. Troubles definition: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/troubles