Author: Professor John D. Brewer
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Advanced Introduction to the Sociology of Peace Processes
The war in Ukraine is a vivid reminder of how war has changed says Professor John D. Brewer.
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Advice for Colombia from countries that have sought peace – and sometimes found it
After 55 years of civil conflict that killed some 220,000 citizens, Colombia is indubitably on the path to peace. As such, the Conversation Global invited several scholars to reflect on recent peace processes from around the globe and to offer lessons that Colombia could take away from other nations’ transitions from civil war to peace.…
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Martin McGuinness’s resignation and the prospects for change in Northern Ireland
The resignation of Martin McGuinness has prompted reactions ranging from accusations of political sabotage to speculation about his ailing health. Professor John Brewer examines what this means for Northern Ireland’s future, and whether the current power-sharing agreement that privileges the largest parties will be maintained, or if this will be the impetus for real change.
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The quality of mercy: how religion and ethno-nationalism influence attitudes towards amnesty in Northern Ireland
The Good Friday Agreement gave political resonance to concepts like amnesty, forgiveness and mercy – all of them familiar from the lexicon of religion. John D Brewer and Bernadette C Hayes from Aberdeen University found that religious and ethno-national identity in Northern Ireland both influence public attitudes towards amnesty. In particular, belief in the Bible…
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How to mark the Easter Rising in Northern Ireland
Professor John Brewer looks at the pervading memory culture in Northern Ireland and questions how we might remember key historic events such as the Easter Rising in ways that heal rather than divide.