Category: Demography and Identity
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What is radical Islam?
Zaheer Kazmi discusses the key points from his new article in BISA journal Review of International Studies (RIS), titled ‘Radical Islam in the Western Academy’. The article aims to interrogate the labelling of Islam and Muslim actors as ‘radical’ as a particular scholarly practice. Zaheer argues that radical Islam is under-theorised and over-determined as a…
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Public consultation on unification referendums on the island of Ireland
The Constitution Unit is leading a Working Group on Unification Referendums on the Island of Ireland. Alan Renwick, Conor Kelly, and Charlotte Kincaid outline the purposes of the group’s work and the kinds of questions that it is asking.
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The 2020 Irish general election was overshadowed by 1920
This weekend’s electoral success of Sinn Féin has parallels with an electoral contest held a century ago. Dr Marie Coleman reflects on commemorations, ‘RIC-gate’ and the general election results.
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Rise and fall in the Third Reich: Nazi party members and social advancement
Understanding how the Nazi party emerged and came to power can give an insight into how extremist organisations form. Dr Alan de Bromhead argues that we need to think beyond pure ideology when it comes to motivations for joining extremist groups and look at economic and social factors too.
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The historical basis for unionist fears of a united Ireland
A recent report has identified seven main concerns held by unionists regarding the prospect of a united Ireland. Dr Marie Coleman explores historical precedents and the basis of these concerns.
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As marching season begins, a new political force is on the rise in Northern Ireland
A new political force, which stretches beyond the legacy issues of The Troubles, is emerging in Northern Ireland. Dr Drew Mikhael and Dr Timofey Agarin ask whether it can break the stranglehold of the main sectarian parties.
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Attitudes to Transgender People in Northern Ireland: The Importance of Survey Data
For the first time, the Northern Ireland Life and Times survey asked questions to gauge public attitudes towards trans people. Dr Gail Neil from Ulster University and Dr Siobhan McAlister explore the survey’s findings and their significance.
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Bonfires, Flags, Identity and Cultural Traditions
Dr Paula Devine and Professor Gillian Robinson look at recent findings from the 2016 Northern Ireland Life and Times (NILT) Survey that show that flags, bonfires and other cultural traditions continue to be very controversial.
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From Religious Illiteracy to Muslim Prayer Rooms – Exploring Religious Freedom in Northern Ireland
Dr Gladys Ganiel from the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice reports on a recent event which looked at radicalisation and religious freedom on campus and in the community.
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Is there such a thing as a national sense of humour?
We all know there are national stereotypes when it comes to humour, but is humour actually driven by culture to any meaningful extent? Dr Gary McKeown asks is there really such a things as a national sense of humour?