Citation

Byrne SA. J. Hum. Secur. 2010; 6(3): 16-35.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Librello Publishing)

DOI

10.3316/JHS0603016

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

During the summer of 2006, 98 interviews were conducted in the Border areas, Derry, and Belfast, with recipients of economic aid from the International Fund for Ireland and/or the European Union Peace II Fund. The research findings point to the importance of micro-political factors in people's assessment of the impact of funding on peacebuilding, as well as in terms of individual insights into the barriers that prevent deep reconciliation. The respondents also suggest that conflict can be explained (or is underlain) by a deep aversion, which can be contrasted to affinity, which is exemplified in some community activities. In addition, a politics of recognition is problematic to the funding schemes that reproduce division. Reconciliation, identity and diversity are discussed in the context of human security.