Supporting academics and policymakers in sharing evidence-based research and ideas on the major social, cultural and economic challenges facing society regionally, nationally and beyond. Our over-arching vision is to share the University’s independent expertise with policymakers so they can make informed decisions about the most effective and sustainable ways to tackle these challenges, now and in the future.


Dr Stefan Andreasson takes a look at some of the key appointments President-elect Trump has been making and what these signify for future policy developments.

As some politicians voice concern about Brexit, Professor David Phinnemore assesses some of the key challenges posed by Brexit for Northern Ireland and how Northern Ireland political parties have reacted to the result of the EU referendum.

If history continues to repeat itself, a possible honeymoon period in U.S.-Russia relations at the start of Trump’s presidency could turn into a new crisis by the end of it says Dr Alexander Titov.

Ending the practice of housing paramilitary inmates apart is a huge headache for government so Dr Michelle Butler offers an alternative to end the regime at Maghaberry Prison.

Given the emphasis on trade policy during the US election campaign, Dr Billy Melo Araujo looks at the likelihood of Donald Trump following up on his trade-related promises.

Professor John Turner looks at the role the economy played in the election of Donald Trump and what Trump’s presidency may mean for the US economy.

Following Donald Trump’s election as US President, Dr Christopher Raymond looks at the voting patterns across the country and provides an analysis as to how Trump staged one of the greatest election upsets in American history.

Professor John Barry looks at how Donald Trump’s election victory has thrown the global deal on climate change into uncertainty, heralding a reversal of America’s recent position as a leader in tackling climate change.

Professor Beverley Milton-Edwards, currently a visiting fellow at the Brookings Doha Centre, highlights the damage that the 2016 US election campaign has done to US foreign policy in the Middle East.

In this, the decade of centenaries, Professor Keith Lilley takes a look at the complexities of the commemoration of war and highlights that the various commemorations in 2016 have led to popular discussion and political debate around remembering.