War and conflict is raging across the globe. From Europe and the Middle East to Africa and the Americas, divisions between and within nations are leaving civilians dead and displaced. 

Northern Ireland has seen its fair share of violence and bloodshed since its founding in 1921. Although the Good Friday peace agreement was signed more than 25 years ago, the peace process is still a work in progress. This week, however, we explore a ground-breaking research project led by Dr. Jocelyn Dautel, an American researcher and senior lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, into how Northern Ireland’s past continues to impact the way young people consume and share “truths” about their nation’s history. Researchers are hopeful that if Northern Ireland can to evolve beyond sectarian division, the country — and its youth — could serve as a global model of peace and reconciliation.

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• Supported by Templeton World Charity Foundation
• Read more about the period known as The Troubles and the peace agreement that marked the end of the conflict
• On February 3, 2024, Northern Ireland formed its first government in two years. Learn about what caused the past two years of political instability

Special thanks to Dr. Jocelyn Dautel and the entire Research Team:

Dr. Bethany Corbett, Lecturer, Ulster University

Prof. Kathleen Corriveau, Boston University

Prof. Emma Flynn, Provost, Warwick University

Eva Grew, Research Fellow, Queen’s University Belfast

Dr. Mariah Kornbluh, Assistant Professor, Oregon University

Caitlin McShane, Research Fellow, Queen’s University Belfast

Dr. Christin Scholz, University of Amsterdam

Prof. Jennifer Watling Neal, Michigan State University

Dr. Lara Wood, Lecturer, Abertay University

Dr. Jing Xu, University of Washington, Seattle